New Delhi, May 27: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is embarking on his first official trip to the capital after taking office. His schedule is packed with meetings, including discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several central ministers, and senior Congress leaders. This visit is seen as a reflection of the growing political ambitions of the state’s new coalition government.
Vijay took the oath of office on May 10. His party, the Tamilaga Vetria Kazhagam, emerged as the largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The government was formed with support from Congress, CPI, CPM, VCK, and IUML, marking the return of a coalition government in Tamil Nadu after several decades.
According to official sources, Vijay will arrive in New Delhi on a private jet for a two-day visit. The primary goal of this trip is to secure greater cooperation from the central government for Tamil Nadu’s development and financial needs.
During his visit, the Chief Minister will unveil a statue of the great Tamil poet Saint Thiruvalluvar at Jawaharlal Nehru University. This event is viewed as a significant step in promoting Tamil cultural identity at the national level.
In the evening, Vijay is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. During this meeting, the Chief Minister may present a detailed memorandum addressing several issues concerning Tamil Nadu.
Sources indicate that this memorandum will include requests related to the Chennai Metro Rail expansion project, pending GST compensation, timely release of the state’s share under various central schemes, educational funding under PM-SRI, and the timely supply of fertilizers, including urea, for the Kharif season.
The Chief Minister is also expected to raise the longstanding issue of fishermen’s arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy. Additionally, he will likely demand central intervention against Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu reservoir project on the Cauvery River. He may also urge for swift financial approvals for infrastructure and welfare projects.
Apart from the Prime Minister, Vijay is likely to meet President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Political circles are also watching closely as Vijay may meet Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. This is viewed as an effort to maintain coordination within the anti-BJP alliance.
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