Vijay meets PM Modi in Delhi; raises Mekedatu Dam row, Tamil anthem demand

The nearly 20-minute meeting focused on several key issues concerning Tamil Nadu, including the contentious Mekedatu dam project, cultural concerns linked to the state anthem, and new defence infrastructure proposals.

Mekedatu Dam issue raised

Vijay urged the Prime Minister to stop any approval for Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river, arguing that it would negatively affect downstream water flow into Tamil Nadu.

The chief minister said any unilateral move by Karnataka would violate the spirit of the Cauvery Water Tribunal award and Supreme Court rulings on river water sharing.

Since the project requires approval from the Union government, Vijay requested that the Jal Shakti Ministry be directed not to clear the proposal.

The issue escalated after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently announced that the state would soon submit a revised DPR for the project and move ahead with implementation.

His reported remark that Tamil Nadu had “no right” to oppose the dam triggered sharp reactions across the neighbouring state.

Request for the Tamil Nadu state anthem

Another major issue raised during the meeting was Vijay’s request to allow the Tamil Nadu state anthem, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, to be played at the beginning of official government events.

The request comes months after the Union Home Ministry issued an order stating that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, should be sung first whenever the national song and the national anthem are played together.

During Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony earlier this month, Vande Mataram was sung in full before the national anthem Jana Gana Mana and the Tamil Nadu state song.

DRDO centre sought for Tamil Nadu

Vijay also appealed to the Prime Minister for the establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation's Centre for Airborne Systems in Tamil Nadu, saying it would strengthen the state’s role in India’s defence and aerospace sectors.

Political background

Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, became chief minister after winning a trust vote on May 13 with support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML legislators.

TVK emerged as the single largest party in the assembly elections by securing 108 seats. The trust vote also saw support from several rebel MLAs from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.