Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Meets PM Modi to Discuss Key State Issues

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to request early release of funds for the Chennai metro project and integrated education initiatives. Stalin also sought Modi's intervention to protect Tamil fishermen. The Prime Minister assured consideration of the demands.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, seeking early release of funds for the Chennai metro and integrated education initiatives, and an intervention to protect Tamil fishermen.

The DMK president called the meeting 'purposeful' and highlighted three main issues. Stalin reported that the Prime Minister listened patiently.

Stalin emphasized the need for speedy release of funds for the Chennai metro, where Rs 18,544 crore has already been spent, and delays are affecting the second phase of the project. He also discussed delays in the first instalment of the 60:40 Centre-State funded integrated education programme. Tamil Nadu has incorporated positive elements of the National Education Policy but rejected the trilingual policy, seeking an MoU correction to prevent language imposition.

Additionally, Stalin addressed the plight of Tamil fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, requesting Modi's intervention. He sought a resolution at the upcoming India-Sri Lanka joint committee meeting next month.

Modi assured of considering all three demands. Stalin also met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and the family of late CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, during his visit to the national capital.

(With inputs from agencies.)