New Delhi, May 28: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday to discuss several critical issues related to the state’s development. The meeting took place at the Finance Ministry’s office, where CM Vijay emphasized the need for central support for major infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, including education, transportation, and industry.
During the meeting, CM Vijay highlighted that Tamil Nadu is rapidly evolving and that sustaining this growth requires significant assistance from the central government. He specifically requested priority funding for large infrastructure projects such as ports, highways, railway initiatives, and industrial corridors.
The Chief Minister also pointed out the strength of Tamil Nadu’s education system and called for the establishment of an ‘Institute of National Importance’ in the state. Additionally, he requested necessary funding for metro rail projects in key industrial cities like Hosur, Coimbatore, and Madurai to enhance public transportation.
The Finance Minister’s office shared details of the meeting on the social media platform X, noting that Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay had met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Earlier, CM Vijay had also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he raised several sensitive and important issues concerning Tamil Nadu. He thanked the Prime Minister for facilitating the return of the Anai Mangalam copper plates from the Netherlands, a significant step for Tamil culture and history.
During the meeting, Vijay brought up the ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu,’ the state song of Tamil Nadu. He noted that traditionally, all government programs begin with this song, but a circular issued by the Home Ministry in January led to the national anthem being sung first at some events. The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to instruct the Home Ministry to ensure that government programs resume starting with ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu.’
CM Vijay also called for significant investments in the defense sector. He mentioned ongoing discussions about establishing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Design and Development Center and the Center for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Tamil Nadu in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He requested the Prime Minister’s approval for these projects in the state.
The proposed Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery River was another key issue raised during the meeting. CM Vijay stated that the announcement of the land pujan for the Mekedatu dam by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister contradicts the decisions of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court. He expressed deep concern among Tamil Nadu’s farmers and urged the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Water Power and the Central Water Commission not to approve the project without the consent of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
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