C. Joseph Vijay met with Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday, raising several issues concerning Tamil Nadu, including the Mekedatu dam project, fishermen arrests, and the Tamil invocation song controversy.
The meeting is considered significant as it marks Vijay’s first official visit to the national capital after assuming office earlier this month.
Mekedatu Dam Issue
During discussions, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister reportedly expressed concern over plans by Karnataka to proceed with the Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery River.
According to a statement from the Tamil Nadu government:
- The project was described as being inconsistent with the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal
- Concerns were also raised regarding compatibility with previous rulings of the Supreme Court of India
Tamil Invocation Song Issue
Vijay also requested that the Indian Prime Minister provide clear instructions allowing the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu invocation song to be sung at the beginning of official government functions.
Fishermen Arrests and Sri Lanka Issue
The Chief Minister additionally urged stronger intervention from the Indian government regarding:
- Arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen
- Seizure of fishing vessels
- Reported harassment involving the Sri Lanka Navy
According to Indian media reports, a memorandum submitted during the meeting requested immediate federal action for the release of detained fishermen and boats.
Other Meetings Scheduled
As part of his Delhi visit, Vijay is also expected to meet:
- Nirmala Sitharaman
- Sonia Gandhi
- Rahul Gandhi
- Droupadi Murmu
The visit comes amid continuing discussions between India and Sri Lanka regarding fisheries disputes and broader regional cooperation.
