Politics – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Plans Key Delhi Meetings This Month
Politics – Newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is preparing for his first official trip to New Delhi later this month, where he is expected to hold discussions with top Union government leaders on several matters linked to the state’s development and administration.
First Official Delhi Visit After Taking Charge
According to sources familiar with the developments, Vijay’s visit to the national capital is expected to last three days and is likely to take place before the end of May. During the trip, the Chief Minister is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with senior Union ministers, including Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and S. Jaishankar.
Officials indicated that Vijay plans to present memorandums and department-related requests to the Centre during these meetings. The discussions are expected to focus on ongoing infrastructure projects, financial matters, and administrative support for Tamil Nadu.
TVK Government Secures Majority Support
Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay took oath as Chief Minister on May 10 after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a major victory in the Assembly elections. The party initially won 108 seats, but its effective strength in the Assembly currently stands at 107 after Vijay chose to retain the Perambur constituency and resigned from Trichy East.
The new administration also received backing from alliance partners, including the Congress party, which holds five seats, while the CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML have contributed additional support with two seats each. Together, the coalition commands a strength of 120 members in the Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark required to form the government.
Fishermen Arrest Issue Raised Before Delhi Visit
Ahead of his scheduled Delhi meetings, Vijay has already approached the Centre regarding the detention of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities. In a letter addressed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Chief Minister urged immediate diplomatic intervention for the release of six fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were recently arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The incident involved fishermen from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district, who reportedly left for fishing on May 10. Sri Lankan authorities detained them on May 12, alleging that they had crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line while fishing in the region.
The detained fishermen were identified as Alex, Anthoni Rajan, Santhana Alocias, Arul They Britto, Albert and Sahaya Selvashanu. Their fishing boat was also seized during the operation.
Concern Over Rising Detentions
In his communication to the Union government, Vijay highlighted the continued hardships faced by fishing communities in coastal Tamil Nadu due to repeated arrests and boat seizures. He also pointed to the increasing number of Indian fishermen currently lodged in Sri Lankan prisons.
According to the details mentioned in the letter, 54 Indian fishermen remain in custody in Sri Lanka, while 264 fishing boats have reportedly been impounded by Sri Lankan authorities over time. The Chief Minister urged the External Affairs Ministry to take swift diplomatic measures to secure the release of both the fishermen and their boats.
The fishermen issue has remained a recurring concern between India and Sri Lanka, particularly affecting coastal districts in Tamil Nadu where many families depend entirely on fishing for their livelihood. The matter is expected to feature prominently during Vijay’s upcoming meetings with senior leaders in New Delhi.