Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to permit Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project without the consent of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, stating that the move has triggered anxiety among farmers in the state. Vijay called on Modi for the first time after becoming Chief Minister at the latter's office in Delhi and submitted a memorandum on various state issues.
Opposition to Mekedatu Project
Vijay pointed out that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's announcement regarding the conduct of bhoomi puja for the Mekedatu project was against the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court verdict. He urged the Prime Minister to direct the Jal Shakti Ministry and the Central Water Commission not to clear the project without the consent of the lower riparian states.
State Anthem Issue
The Chief Minister also sought a clarification from the Union Home Ministry allowing Tamil Thai Vazhthu to continue to be sung at the beginning of all government functions in Tamil Nadu. Vijay noted that while the state anthem had traditionally been rendered at the start of government events, certain functions were now beginning with the national song following a home ministry communication issued in January this year.
Establishment of CABS in Tamil Nadu
Vijay further requested the Prime Minister to facilitate the establishment of the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Tamil Nadu. He mentioned that discussions had been held with DRDO over the past few years regarding setting up the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft design and development centre and CABS in the state.
Fishermen Issue
Raising the fishermen issue, Vijay said that arrests and harassment of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy had increased to alarming levels. He reported that 12 arrest incidents had been recorded in 2026 alone, with 58 fishermen currently lodged in Sri Lankan custody and 266 boats seized. He urged the Centre to press Sri Lanka for the immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.
