Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay Meets M.K. Stalin, Vaiko After Taking Office

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is engaging with DMK and other political leaders, including Vaiko, to foster cross party dialogue and ensure a smooth transition as the new assembly begins, signalling an inclusive governance approach.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday held key political meetings with former Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin as well as MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, signalling an effort to maintain cordial ties across party lines after the recent change in power in the state.

In his first formal interaction with M.K. Stalin since taking office, Vijay visited Stalin’s residence in Chennai’s Alwarpet area. The meeting, described by officials as a “courtesy call,” came weeks after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) defeated the DMK in the Assembly elections and formed the new government in Tamil Nadu.

Vijay received a warm welcome from Stalin and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin at the residence. Udhayanidhi greeted the Chief Minister with a handshake and hug before Stalin also embraced Vijay. The leaders exchanged shawls and bouquets, following political tradition and reflecting a message of mutual respect despite their recent electoral rivalry.

Political observers viewed the meeting as an important gesture aimed at ensuring a smooth political transition and maintaining communication between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK. The interaction also underlined Vijay’s attempt to project an inclusive political approach at the beginning of his tenure as Chief Minister.

VIDEO | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Former CM MK Stalin and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin welcome CM C Joseph Vijay with a hug at their residence. Inside visuals.

(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)

(Source: Third party) pic.twitter.com/tsTGp2F0jz

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Later in the day, Vijay also scheduled a meeting with MDMK chief Vaiko at Anna Nagar as part of his outreach to senior political leaders in the state. Sources indicated that the Chief Minister intends to continue engaging with leaders from various parties to build coordination on key issues concerning Tamil Nadu.

The meetings came shortly after Vijay led proceedings during the swearing-in of the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly earlier in the day. Vijay took oath as Chief Minister along with members of his newly formed Cabinet in the presence of leaders from several political parties, including DMK, AIADMK and PMK.

Vijay is also expected to meet VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan on Tuesday, continuing his post-swearing-in political outreach. The series of meetings is being seen as an effort by the new Chief Minister to balance political competition with institutional cooperation as the new Assembly begins its term.