NEW DELHI: In his maiden official visit to the national capital after assuming office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and raised several key issues concerning the state, with the Mekedatu dam project and the recurring arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy taking centre stage.

During the nearly 25-minute meeting, CM Vijay submitted a detailed memorandum to the Prime Minister highlighting Tamil Nadu’s concerns over Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir project across the Cauvery River. He urged the Centre to prevent Karnataka from proceeding with the project without the consent of Tamil Nadu and other riparian states, stating that it would severely impact water flow to the delta regions and affect lakhs of farmers.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the project violates the spirit of the Supreme Court’s 2018 Cauvery verdict. He requested the Union Government to intervene firmly and protect Tamil Nadu’s legitimate share of Cauvery water.

Another major issue Vijay raised was the growing harassment and arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. He informed the Prime Minister that 12 such incidents have been reported in 2026 so far, with 58 fishermen currently in Sri Lankan custody and 266 boats seized. The CM appealed to Modi to take strong diplomatic measures for the immediate release of the fishermen and their vessels.

In addition, Vijay requested the Centre to issue clear directions allowing the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu (Tamil invocation song) to be sung at the beginning of government functions in the state.

The meeting holds political significance as it was the first high-level engagement between the newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and the Prime Minister. Sources said the discussion was cordial, with both leaders agreeing to work together for the development of the state.

CM Vijay also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman later in the day. The Tamil Nadu government is expected to follow up on the issues raised during the meeting in the coming weeks.