Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday congratulated C Joseph Vijay after he took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, asserting that the new government represented the enduring ideals of self-respect, empowerment and social justice deeply rooted in the state’s political tradition.
In a message posted on social media platform X, Kharge conveyed his “heartfelt congratulations and best wishes” to Vijay, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and the “entire progressive alliance” following the swearing-in ceremony.
“The formation of this government reaffirms the enduring strength of self-respect, social justice, empowerment and rational thought, values that have long defined Tamil Nadu’s political and social consciousness. This is the legacy shaped by Periyar and Kamrajar,” Kharge said.
The Congress chief further noted that the people of Tamil Nadu, especially the state’s youth, had reposed faith in the new leadership and expressed confidence that Vijay would carry forward those principles in governance.
“Millions of people across Tamil Nadu, especially the aspirational youth, have placed their trust in the TVK. I am confident that under his leadership, these ideals will continue to guide governance and inspire the nation,” he wrote, while wishing the government success in serving citizens with “compassion, inclusivity and commitment”.
Vijay’s swearing-in marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu politics, with the actor-turned-politician emerging as a major political force after months of speculation surrounding his political entry. His rise has reshaped the state’s political landscape, historically dominated by established Dravidian parties.
Kharge’s remarks are also being viewed as an effort by the Congress to reinforce its alignment with the ideological foundations of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian political ethos, particularly themes of social justice, regional identity and rationalism.
His references to social reformer Periyar E V Ramasamy and former Congress leader K Kamaraj underscored the symbolic importance of continuity with Tamil Nadu’s socio-political legacy.
With a new leadership now in place, political observers are closely watching how the Vijay-led government navigates its relationship with national parties, including the Congress and the BJP-led Centre, as the state enters a new phase in its political trajectory.