Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday met DMK president and former chief minister MK Stalin at his Alwarpet residence, days before the crucial floor test his newly formed government is scheduled to face in the Assembly.
The meeting, described by government sources as a “courtesy call”, marked Vijay’s first interaction with Stalin after assuming office following the Assembly election victory of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Vijay was received by Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin. Visuals from the meeting showed Udhayanidhi greeting Vijay with a handshake and embrace, while Stalin later welcomed the chief minister with a hug before escorting him inside the residence.
The leaders exchanged shawls and bouquets during the interaction. Udhayanidhi also presented Vijay with a book chronicling the DMK’s political journey titled Kalathin Niram Karuppu Sivappu, DMK 75.
The meeting assumes significance as it comes just days ahead of the May 13 floor test in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, where Vijay’s government will seek to prove its majority.
TVK currently has 107 MLAs following Vijay’s resignation from the Tiruchirappalli East seat. The party is being supported by the Congress, VCK, IUML and Left parties, taking its effective strength past the majority mark.
Also read: TVK chief Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM
The outreach also comes a day after Vijay launched a sharp attack on the previous DMK government, accusing it of leaving behind a debt burden of Rs 10 lakh crore. He had also indirectly criticised the DMK over “multiple power centres”, asserting that his administration would have a single leadership structure.
Stalin had responded to Vijay’s remarks earlier.
After meeting the DMK chief, Vijay visited MDMK founder Vaiko at his residence, where he was welcomed by Vaiko’s son Durai Vaiko.
The chief minister and the veteran leader exchanged shawls and briefly interacted with party workers present at the venue.
Speaking to reporters later, Vaiko praised Vijay’s political rise following the elections and said the people of Tamil Nadu had voted for change.
He also welcomed Vijay’s outreach to opposition leaders, saying it reflected the need to encourage “healthy politics” in the state.
Monday’s meetings were notable given the bitter campaign exchanges between the DMK and TVK ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections, which ultimately brought Vijay to power.
Follow us
