R ARIVANANTHAM
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI, MAY 27
In a significant political and administrative outreach aimed at strengthening Centre-State coordination, C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday met Narendra Modi at the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi and discussed a wide range of issues concerning Tamil Nadu’s cultural identity, national defence infrastructure, inter-state river disputes and fishermen welfare.
மாண்புமிகு இந்தியப் பிரதமர் திரு. நரேந்திர மோடி அவர்களை இன்று (27.5.2026) புதுதில்லியில் உள்ள பிரதமர் அலுவலகத்தில், மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு. ச. ஜோசப் விஜய் அவர்கள் மரியாதை நிமித்தமாக சந்தித்துப் பேசினார்.#CMJosephVijay pic.twitter.com/MlhPPpAxAI
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) May 27, 2026
The meeting, described as a courtesy call with strong policy overtones, highlighted the Tamil Nadu government’s efforts to secure greater administrative clarity and developmental support from the Centre.
- C. Joseph Vijay meets Narendra Modi at Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi
- PM thanked Tamil Nadu for efforts to retrieve historic Aanai Mangalam copper plates from the Netherlands
- CM Vijay seeks clarity on singing of Tamil Thai Vazhthu at official government functions
- Pushes for establishment of DRDO’s CABS aerospace centre in Tamil Nadu
- Raises concerns over Mekedatu dam project and arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy
PM Modi Appreciates Retrieval of Historic Tamil Artefacts
During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the successful retrieval of the historic Aanai Mangalam copper plates from the Netherlands, acknowledging the importance of preserving India’s civilisational heritage and Tamil cultural history.
The recovery of the ancient artefacts has been viewed as a major cultural achievement for Tamil Nadu and India.
CM Vijay Seeks Clarity on Tamil Thai Vazhthu Protocol
One of the major issues raised during the meeting related to the singing of the State invocation song “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” at official government functions in Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister Vijay informed the Prime Minister that Tamil Thai Vazhthu has traditionally been sung at the beginning of all state government events. However, following a communication issued by the Union Home Ministry earlier this year, the National Anthem has reportedly been played first during certain official programmes.
Seeking administrative clarity, Vijay requested the Centre to issue appropriate guidelines permitting the continuation of Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the commencement of state government functions.
Political observers described the move as an effort to balance constitutional protocol with Tamil Nadu’s strong linguistic and cultural identity.
Tamil Nadu Pushes for Strategic Defence Projects
In a major boost to the state’s industrial and aerospace ambitions, Chief Minister Vijay also urged the Centre to establish the Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) in Tamil Nadu.
He pointed out that discussions had been ongoing for several years with the Defence Research and Development Organisation regarding the proposed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Design and Development Centre and related aerospace infrastructure.
The request is seen as part of Tamil Nadu’s broader strategy to position itself as a major defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation hub under India’s indigenous defence expansion plans.
Strong Opposition to Mekedatu Dam Project
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also raised serious concerns over Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river.
Vijay reportedly conveyed that the announcement regarding Bhoomi Pooja for the project by Karnataka leaders was contrary to the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Supreme Court rulings.
He urged Prime Minister Modi to ensure that the Union Jal Shakti Ministry and the Central Water Commission do not permit the project without the consent of downstream states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
The issue remains politically sensitive due to its direct impact on Cauvery delta farmers in Tamil Nadu.
Fishermen Arrests by Sri Lankan Navy Raised
Chief Minister Vijay also highlighted the increasing arrests and alleged harassment of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
According to the details shared during the meeting:
- 12 arrest incidents have reportedly taken place in 2026
- 58 fishermen are currently in Sri Lankan custody
- 266 fishing boats have allegedly been seized
Vijay requested the Prime Minister to intervene diplomatically and urge the Sri Lankan government to secure the immediate release of fishermen and their boats.
The issue has remained a recurring humanitarian and political concern for coastal districts in Tamil Nadu.
