Vijayakawada, October 2026 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay offered prayers at the famous Kanaka Durga Temple here on the eve of Dasara before travelling to Amaravati to meet his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, N. Chandrababu Naidu, for discussions on inter-state water sharing.
Vijay arrived at Gannavaram Airport from Chennai in a special aircraft and proceeded to the hill shrine. Temple priests and officials welcomed him according to traditional customs. After the darshan, the priests performed Veda Ashirvachanam and presented him with sacred offerings.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister later left for Naidu’s official residence in Amaravati for bilateral discussions. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh warmly welcomed Vijay on his arrival.
During the meeting, Naidu introduced Ministers P. Narayana and Nimmala Ramanaidu, along with MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, to his Tamil Nadu counterpart.
The discussions are expected to focus on inter-state water management, particularly the timely release of Krishna River water to Chennai under the Telugu Ganga Project. The proposed interlinking of the Godavari and Cauvery rivers is also likely to feature in the talks.
The meeting comes amid concerns in Tamil Nadu over the shortfall in water supplied under the Telugu Ganga Project. Andhra Pradesh is required to supply 12 thousand million cubic feet (tmc) of water annually to meet Chennai’s drinking water requirements. However, Tamil Nadu had received only 2.251 tmc by the beginning of October this year.
Vijay is expected to raise the shortfall with Naidu and discuss measures to improve water supplies to the neighbouring state. The discussions assume significance for Chennai, which depends on multiple sources to meet its drinking water needs.
Apart from the water-sharing discussions, Vijay and Naidu are scheduled to participate in Vijayawada Utsav 2.0.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Minister for Municipal Administration P. Narayana and senior officials received Vijay at Gannavaram Airport. A large number of fans gathered outside the airport to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician.
Vijay waved to the crowd before getting into his car. Police made elaborate security arrangements at the airport and along the route to the Kanaka Durga Temple. Some enthusiastic fans were seen running behind his convoy in an attempt to see him more closely.
The visit marks Vijay’s first trip to Andhra Pradesh since assuming office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. His meeting with Naidu is expected to provide an opportunity for the two states to discuss outstanding water-sharing concerns and explore cooperation on major river-linking proposals.
The outcome of the discussions could have implications for the implementation of the Telugu Ganga Project and the supply of Krishna water to Chennai.
