MK Stalin Meets PM Modi, Requests Him To Release Funds For Metro Project

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought early release of pending funds for Chennai metro and integrated education initiatives, besides an intervention to protect Tamil fishermen. Taking to social media platform X, Stalin posted photos of his meeting with the Prime Minister and issues that he discussed with him. 

“Had a cordial meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi where I discussed key issues concerning Tamil Nadu," CM Stalin said.

1. I requested the release of the Union Government's share for Phase 2 of the jointly implemented Chennai Metro, noting that several states which initiated their metro projects after Tamil Nadu have already received their funds.
2. The immediate release of Samagra Shiksha funds, currently withheld due to the non-implementation of the NEP. Tamil Nadu has long upheld a two-language policy, reflecting the will of our people.
3. I called for urgent intervention regarding the repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Looking forward to swift and positive action from the Prime Minister on these important matters for the benefit of Tamil Nadu, CM added.

PM Modi listen to me patiently, says Stalin  

The DMK president, who described the meeting as "purposeful", presented a detailed report on three main issues. "The Prime Minister listened patiently," Stalin told reporters after the meeting.

The chief minister sought the speedy release of funds for the Chennai metro project as Rs 18,544 crore has already been spent so far.

The state government wants to start work on the second phase of the Chennai metro and the non-disbursement of the pending dues has "caused a delay in the works, he emphasised.

About the integrated education initiative, Stalin highlighted the hold-up in the first instalment of the 60:40 Centre-State funded programme.

He clarified that while Tamil Nadu has incorporated positive elements of the National Education Policy, it has not accepted the trilingual policy.

"We have asked for a correction in the MoU to explicitly state that there will be no language imposition," the chief minister added.

While discussing the plight of Tamil fishermen facing arrest by the Sri Lankan Navy, Stalin requested Modi's personal intervention while stating that 191 fishing boats and 145 fishermen have been captured.

He sought a resolution of the matter at the upcoming India-Sri Lanka joint committee meeting in Colombo next month.

After his meeting with Modi, Stalin said the prime minister has assured him of considering all three demands.

The Tamil Nadu chief minister later met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi , ahead of an opposition rally in Kancheepuram on September 28.

Stalin arrived in the national capital on Thursday evening and received a warm welcome from DMK leaders, including members of Parliament T R Baalu, Tiruchi Siva, Dayanidhi Maran, K Kanimozhi, and T Sumathy among others.

With inputs from PTI