TN CM Vijay in Delhi for NITI Aayog meet, political talks likely
Chennai, June 10
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday on a three-day visit to participate in the Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, scheduled to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit, his second to the national capital since assuming office last month, is being closely watched amid expectations of key political and administrative engagements.
Among those who accompanied him were personal aide Jegadheesh, Vishnu Reddy, Rajkumar, Jegadheesh Awasthi, assistant Rajendran and other officials attached to the Chief Minister's office.
The NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, which brings together chief ministers and lieutenant governors from across the country, is expected to focus on issues relating to economic development, cooperative federalism, infrastructure, investment, welfare programmes and state-centre coordination.
Prime Minister Modi will chair the meeting, which is regarded as one of the most important annual policy forums involving the Union government and the states.
Sources indicated that Vijay is expected to address the gathering and present Tamil Nadu's priorities and concerns before the council.
His participation comes at a time when the newly elected Tamil Nadu government is seeking greater financial support from the Centre for infrastructure projects, welfare initiatives and developmental programmes.
Political circles are also closely tracking the possibility of Vijay holding a series of meetings on the sidelines of the event. Sources said the Chief Minister may meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his stay in the capital.
He is also expected to interact with senior Congress leaders during this visit. This will be Vijay's second visit to New Delhi after becoming the Chief Minister.
During his maiden official visit on May 27, he met Prime Minister Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and submitted a memorandum highlighting several issues concerning Tamil Nadu, including inter-state river disputes, fishermen's welfare and pending development projects.
After attending the NITI Aayog meeting, Vijay is expected to travel to Mangaluru in neighbouring Karnataka on a personal visit on Friday. He is likely to return to Chennai later the same day, with sources indicating that he is scheduled to arrive in the city at around 6 p.m. on Friday, bringing his three-day trip to a close.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Vijay is doing the right thing by building bridges. But I hope he also meets opposition leaders to pressurise Centre on pending issues like Cauvery water and NEET exemption. State ki demands strong rakhni chahiye. 💪
Another trip to Delhi, another photo op. Hope there's substance behind this. Fishermen issue and inter-state river disputes need real action, not just memorandums. Let's see if this visit yields anything concrete.
This is smart politics by Vijay. He's engaging with Modi, Shah, and Congress leaders simultaneously. Balancing act between Centre and opposition. But talk is cheap—need to see if he can get actual funds for TN's welfare schemes. 🤔
First CM visit to Delhi so early in tenure shows he's serious about cooperative federalism. But why is he going to Mangaluru for a personal visit in between? Hope it doesn't dilute the political messaging. Focus on Tamil Nadu's needs pls.
Finally a CM who understands that Delhi trips matter! Previous govt used to skip NITI meetings. Vijay is showing he's willing to negotiate for TN's share of central funds. Let's hope the PM listens to TN's demands on infrastructure and welfare. 🙏
Interesting how he's meeting both Shah and Congress leaders. That's called maintaining channels. But
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