PM Modi and Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay during the launch and inauguration of various development projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore at IIT Madras, in Chennai
NEW DELHI: A brief stir broke out at an official government function attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai on Sunday after some people displayed placards projecting Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay as the “next PM”.The incident took place at the IIT Madras campus, where PM Modi was addressing a gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for projects worth around Rs 13,000 crore across Tamil Nadu.CM Vijay was also present at the event.During his speech, P Modi mentioned Vijay's name, prompting a group of people, apparently supporters of the chief minister, to whistle and display handwritten placards bearing Vijay's photographs and slogans, including “Next PM Vijay 2029”, according to news agency PTI.Police personnel deployed at the venue intervened and instructed the individuals to sit down and lower their placards.Although they complied initially, they continued displaying the placards after the police turned away, gesturing towards video cameras.
PM Modi and Vijay share stage at inauguration
The incident occurred during PM Modi's first visit to Tamil Nadu since the April Assembly elections, which brought Vijay's TVK to power.The prime minister and the chief minister shared the stage during the inauguration of several infrastructure projects.
They also jointly flagged off a new Chennai Metro service and travelled on the train.PM Modi inaugurated the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, built at a cost of around Rs 4,900 crore. The new stretch covers approximately 15 km and has 11 elevated stations.The two leaders also jointly inaugurated other scheduled projects during the visit. Vijay received PM Modi on his arrival in Chennai and saw him off before his departure for Delhi.
PM Modi vows to work with Vijay for Tamil Nadu's development
In his address, PM Modi said his commitment to Tamil Nadu's development would remain unchanged despite changes in government."Governments may change, but my resolve for Tamil Nadu's development, serving its people remains steadfast. With this determination to serve people, together with CM Vijay, we are taking forward the development of the state," he said.PM Modi also highlighted cooperative federalism, saying that the country's development depended on the progress of its states.
He recalled his experience of working with several Tamil Nadu chief ministers during his political career.Vijay, meanwhile, said cooperation between the Union and state governments was essential to ensure that people benefited from development initiatives."When the union and state governments work together, its benefit should directly reflect in the lives of the people, and that is our approach," he said.The chief minister also sought the release of Rs 5,110 crore in outstanding central funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan scheme without conditions.
He called for steps to make Tamil the principal language of the Madras High Court.Vijay also urged the Centre to approve Phase III of the Chennai Metro project, reconsider metro proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, and consider an inter-state metro line linking Hosur in Tamil Nadu with Bommasandra near Bengaluru. He further sought high-speed rail corridors between Chennai and Kanyakumari and Chennai and Coimbatore.
PM Modi praises Tamil language and culture
During the visit, PM Modi praised Tamil language and culture and referred to the ancient Tamil classic Thirukkural, describing it as a guide for life.He recalled gifting a Russian edition of the work to Russian President Vladimir Putin and cited its teachings on learning and putting knowledge into practice.
PM Modi also paid tribute to national poet Mahakavi Bharati and referred to the continuing relevance of the poet's verse Achamillai, meaning “there is no fear”.The prime minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for highway projects, Amrit railway stations, port-related initiatives and the Group II/III Lube Oil Base Stocks project at the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited refinery in Manali.The visit included meetings and joint public appearances between PM Modi and Vijay as the two governments highlighted their cooperation on infrastructure and Tamil Nadu's development.