Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday (October 11, 2026) committed themselves to maintaining healthy Centre-State relations and working together for the development of Tamil Nadu.
Inaugurating a slew of projects, including the Chennai Metro Rail services on the Vadapalani-Poonamallee stretch, Mr. Modi said that while governments changed, his commitment to the development of Tamil Nadu and his service to its people had remained the same.
“As the Chief Minister [of Gujarat], I had the opportunity to interact many times with (former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers) Karunanidhiji and Amma Jayalalithaaji. And, after becoming the Prime Minister, I had the opportunity to work with Jayalalithaaji, O. Panneerselvamji, E. Palaniswamiji, and M.K. Stalinji. And, today, with that same commitment, we are taking this journey of Tamil Nadu’s development forward together with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay,” he said.
Benefits of unity
Earlier, Mr. Vijay assured the Prime Minister that his government believed that when the Union and State governments worked together, the benefits would be reflected in the lives of the people.
“Tamil Nadu continues to contribute to India’s progress in industry, science, education, arts, literature, and social justice. Strong States make a strong India. Tamil Nadu has always been the foundation for India’s economic, social, and cultural progress,” he said.
At an event held at the Kendriya Vidyalaya on the IIT Madras campus, Mr. Modi said that as the Chief Minister, he had personally understood the expectations of States. After becoming the Prime Minister, he had not only sought to fulfil those aspirations but had also made every effort to help each State achieve its own goals. “We want to build a Tamil Nadu that keeps reaching new heights. And, for this, whatever support is needed from the Centre, we stand with you with full commitment. Let us together realise the resolve of a developed India through a developed Tamil Nadu. With this spirit, once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of you for these projects,” he said.
‘Urbanisation is not a challenge’
Mr. Modi said urban development was one of the major priorities in Tamil Nadu. “I have always believed that urbanisation is not a challenge, but an opportunity. And public transport plays a very important role in this. When transportation is good, it improves the ease of living. We all know that merely widening roads is not enough to create better transportation. In modern cities, we need holistic infrastructure,” he said.
Reiterating that India would be strengthened through the empowerment of the States, Mr. Modi said the Centre was promoting manufacturing in States like Tamil Nadu. “Every Indian takes pride in Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing sector, its small industries, and every individual working in them. Today, the initiatives of the Central government, whether Make in India or Vocal for Local, are also benefiting Tamil Nadu,” he said.
The Prime Minister also visited the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Research Centre at IIT Madras, where a scientist briefed him of its research activities. “The research taking place in this field can create many opportunities in the area of public health,” he said.
He offered prayers at the Jalakandeswarar Temple near the main entrance of the IIT Madras.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State L. Murugan, Tamil Nadu Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand, and IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti attended the function.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister received the Prime Minister at the Chennai airport. Mr. Anand was also present at the tarmac, and Mr. Modi recognised the image of Mr. Vijay woven on Mr. Anand’s shirt. He pointed to the image and mentioned it to Mr. Vijay who smiled and nodded in acknowledgement. “The PM then told me in Hindi that I was doing well,” Mr. Anand told The Hindu, recalling the incident.
Later in the evening, Mr. Vijay, along with Mr. Murugan, gave the Prime Minister a warm send-off at the airport.
Published – October 11, 2026 09:12 pm IST
