• Source:JND

In a political move following a decisive electoral victory, C Joseph Vijay, the newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, on Monday met his predecessor and DMK chief M K Stalin in Chennai. This is the first meeting between the two leaders since a substantial shift was observed in the state's political arena.

A former actor, Vijay, whose Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ended a decades-long monopoly held by the DMK and AIADMK in the Assembly polls, met Stalin at his residence in Alwarpet, Chennai, on Monday. Stalin, accompanied by his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, warmly welcomed the new chief minister at his residence.

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In the visuals obtained from the meeting, both leaders exchanged a handshake and hugged. Vijay, in his black suit, bowed and folded his hands for greetings. Though details of their discussion have not been divulged, sources said it was a courtesy meeting after the formation of the new government.

“Honourable Vijay, who has assumed the role of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, met me with political courtesy and received my greetings. I extended to him my heartfelt congratulations as well as my advice,” DMK Chief wrote, while sharing images from the meet.

Vijay's ascension to power has revolutionised Tamil Nadu politics by bringing an end to almost 60 years of the DMK and AIADMK power struggle. Although the TVK fell short of crossing the majority mark on its own, Vijay roped in the Congress and several local partners and cobbled together the numbers to form the government, after days of gruelling political parleys. 

Possible alliance configurations and even a DMK-AIADMK understanding were part of speculative discourse on the political circuit immediately after the election results on May 4, before the numbers game was sealed in favour of Vijay.

Stalin’s Advice To Vijay

Even before Monday’s meeting, Stalin had publicly congratulated Vijay while also cautioning him against blaming the previous administration for the state’s finances.

“I also welcome the announcements you have signed immediately upon taking office,” Stalin wrote on X after Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony.

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“Don't start saying right away that the government has no money. It does have it. What's needed is the will to give it to the people, and the ability to govern,” he added, defending the DMK government’s economic record despite challenges such as COVID-19, floods and what he described as neglect from the Union government.

Referring to Vijay’s statement about inheriting debt worth Rs 10 lakh crore, Stalin further said, “The debt level of Tamil Nadu is within the permitted limits. We clearly explained the financial position of the Tamil Nadu government in the February budget itself. Didn't you know that?”


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