Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Meets PM Modi; Further High-Level Meetings Expected

Tamil Nadu's newly sworn-in Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay, held his inaugural official meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. This significant political event marked Vijay's first visit to the national capital as the state's Chief Minister, having assumed office on May 10 after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party secured a majority in the state assembly elections. The meeting, which reportedly lasted around 20 to 30 minutes, saw CM Vijay presenting a range of critical issues concerning Tamil Nadu to the Prime Minister. Key topics included discussions on major defence initiatives, upholding federal rights, and addressing challenges in the education and fisheries sectors. Specifically, CM Vijay highlighted the ongoing Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project and the Combat Airborne Systems (CABS) project in Tamil Nadu and urged for the establishment of the CABS facility within the state to further these initiatives. A prominent point of contention raised was Tamil Nadu's long-standing demand for an exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Despite the Tamil Nadu Assembly having passed legislation twice seeking this exemption, the Centre has yet to approve the request, a matter that CM Vijay reiterated to PM Modi. The Chief Minister also pressed for the timely implementation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal order, emphasizing that delays by the Union government adversely affect farmers and communities dependent on Cauvery river water. The welfare of Indian fishermen, particularly those detained by Sri Lankan authorities, was another pressing issue on the agenda. CM Vijay urged the Centre to take immediate diplomatic action for the release of these fishermen and to protect their traditional fishing rights. Additionally, discussions encompassed pending financial allocations for various state development projects, with the Chief Minister seeking expedited release of these funds. Beyond his meeting with the Prime Minister, CM Vijay's itinerary for his Delhi visit includes anticipated meetings with other prominent Union Ministers. Reports suggest he is expected to hold discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. These meetings are crucial for addressing state-specific financial requirements and other policy matters that fall under their respective ministries. He is also scheduled to meet Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and senior leaders from the Congress party, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, at 10 Janpath, indicating a broader engagement with the political landscape in the capital. CM Vijay's visit also involved a trip to Tamil Nadu House in Delhi, where he was accorded a guard of honour. His overall approach during this visit has been described as aiming for a cordial working relationship with the Central government, despite his party's historical ideological differences with the BJP. This reflects the practical need for cooperation between the state and central governments for the development and welfare of Tamil Nadu. The visit is considered highly important for establishing the new Chief Minister's rapport with central leadership and articulating the state's demands effectively on the national stage.

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