Chennai, May 12 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay is likely to undertake his first official visit to New Delhi later this month for a series of high-level meetings with the country’s top leadership following the formation of his government in the state.

According to highly placed sources, the two-day visit is likely to take place either during the third or final week of May, after the anticipated expansion of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet expected after May 18.

Sources indicated that the visit has been tentatively planned once the new administration completes key governance-related exercises and administrative restructuring in Chennai. During the proposed visit, Vijay is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu as part of customary engagements undertaken by newly elected Chief Ministers after assuming office.

He is also likely to hold discussions with Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Government and party sources said the Chief Minister is expected to use the visit to formally present the priorities and policy direction of the newly formed TVK-led administration before the Union leadership.

A detailed memorandum outlining Tamil Nadu’s financial requirements is also expected to be submitted during the meetings. The memorandum is likely to include demands related to the release of pending Central allocations, compensation dues, financial assistance under Centrally sponsored schemes and enhanced support for ongoing welfare initiatives in the state.

Sources further stated that infrastructure development projects, urban expansion plans, transport connectivity, industrial investment proposals and welfare-oriented programmes are expected to figure prominently in the discussions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre.

The visit is also being viewed as politically significant as it would mark Vijay’s first direct interaction with the national leadership after emerging as a major political force in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and assuming office as Chief Minister.

TVK insiders said the meetings in New Delhi would provide an opportunity for the new government to establish a working relationship with the Centre while simultaneously seeking cooperation for several flagship projects and long-term development initiatives planned for Tamil Nadu.

–IANS

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