PM Modi Invokes Tamil Pride, Assures Support to Vijay as CM Pledges Centre Cooperation

CHENNAI, Oct 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to Tamil Nadu’s development, praising the state’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage and pledging to work closely with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. The Chief Minister, in turn, emphasised that cooperation between the Union and state governments was essential to ensure that development initiatives directly benefited the people.

Modi’s first visit to Tamil Nadu since the April Assembly elections featured visible cordiality between the two leaders. Vijay welcomed the Prime Minister upon his arrival in Chennai and saw him off before his departure for New Delhi. The two leaders jointly inaugurated development projects and travelled together on a Chennai Metro train.

During his one-day visit, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth approximately Rs 13,000 crore, covering transport infrastructure, highways, railway facilities, port-related initiatives and industrial development.

Addressing the gathering, Vijay called for Tamil to be recognised as the principal language of the Madras High Court. He also urged the Centre to release Rs 5,110 crore in outstanding funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) without imposing conditions.

“When the Union and state governments work together, its benefits should directly reflect in the lives of the people, and that is our approach,” Vijay said.

The TVK founder and chief minister said his government had completed more than 100 days in office and was working towards establishing a transparent, corruption-free administration based on social justice, equality and inclusiveness.

His remarks signalled an emphasis on cooperation with the Centre, following a period of strained relations between the previous DMK government and the Union government over several matters, including the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Vijay Seeks Major Transport and Education Support

The Chief Minister urged the Centre to expedite approval for Phase III of the Chennai Metro project, which is proposed to cover approximately 65 kilometres. He also requested a reconsideration of metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, along with an inter-state metro connection between Hosur in Tamil Nadu and Bommasandra near Bengaluru in Karnataka.

Vijay further called for high-speed rail corridors connecting Chennai with Kanyakumari and Coimbatore, highlighting the need to improve connectivity and support economic development across the state.

The requests placed infrastructure expansion, education funding and the promotion of Tamil among the key issues discussed during the visit.

Modi Reaffirms Commitment to Cooperative Federalism

In his address, Modi highlighted cooperative federalism as one of the central principles guiding his administration. Reflecting on his 25 years of service as the head of a government, including his tenure as Gujarat chief minister, he said his confidence in the people and the importance of collaboration between governments had grown stronger.

“The development of the nation comes through the development of the states,” the Prime Minister said, explaining that his experience as a chief minister had helped him understand the aspirations and challenges faced by state governments.

He said he had consistently sought to support states in achieving their development goals, irrespective of changes in political leadership.

Recalling his interactions with former Tamil Nadu chief ministers M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa during his tenure in Gujarat, Modi also referred to his subsequent working relationships with O Panneerselvam, Edappadi K Palaniswami and M K Stalin.

“Governments may change, but my resolve for Tamil Nadu’s development and serving its people remains steadfast,” he said, expressing his determination to advance the state’s progress in cooperation with Vijay.

Prime Minister Highlights Tamil Language and Heritage

Modi also used the visit to underline the historical significance of Tamil language and literature. Addressing students during the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai, he recalled his journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir decades ago, saying it had strengthened his appreciation of India’s cultural diversity.

He encouraged students to explore different parts of the country and share Tamil literature, traditions and cultural practices with friends from diverse backgrounds.

The Prime Minister praised the Thirukkural, the celebrated Tamil literary work attributed to Thiruvalluvar, describing it as a valuable guide for lifelong learning and ethical living.

Recalling his recent gift of a Russian-language edition of the text to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi highlighted its message that acquiring knowledge must be accompanied by practical application.

He also paid tribute to Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, whose poetry continues to inspire generations. Referring to Bharati’s famous verse “Achamillai,” meaning “there is no fear,” Modi said the poet’s message of courage and fearlessness remained relevant today. He noted that Bharati continued to be remembered fondly in Varanasi.

Infrastructure Projects Take Centre Stage

During the visit, Modi inaugurated the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project, constructed at a cost of around Rs 4,900 crore. The new section is expected to strengthen urban connectivity and improve public transport access for commuters.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated and launched several National Highway projects, railway station development works under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, port-related initiatives and the Group II/III Lube Oil Base Stocks project at the existing Manali Refinery operated by Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited.

He additionally visited the Indian Institute of Technology Madras campus and its brain research centre before offering prayers at a temple on the campus.

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami was among the leaders who received Modi at the Chennai airport.

The visit combined major infrastructure announcements with discussions on Tamil Nadu’s development priorities. While Modi emphasised the importance of partnership between the Centre and the states, Vijay outlined his government’s demands on education funding, transport expansion and the promotion of Tamil, setting out areas for further engagement between the two administrations.