The induction of former ministers, ex-MLAs and party functionaries is being projected by TVK as a sign of its growing organisational reach across Tamil Nadu.
Political speculation intensified in Delhi after posters featuring Rahul Gandhi and CM Vijay surfaced outside 10 Janpath ahead of their expected meeting that was later postponed.
The 25-minute meeting at Seva Teerth came at a moment when both the BJP-led Union government and Tamil Nadu’s newly-installed leadership are recalibrating their political equations.
During the trust vote held on May 13 for the Vijay government, 25 of the 47 AIADMK legislators, led by former ministers C. Ve. Shanmugam, S.P. Velumani and C. Vijayabhaskar, voted in favour of the government, triggering a split in the party.
Staring at growing political isolation after several former allies joined the TVK government led by Chief Minister Vijay on Friday, the opposition DMK vented its frustration, with former Union Minister and DMK MP A. Raja drawing criticism for remarks seen as lowering the level of political discourse.
A dream run reached its crescendo when actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay scripted history by taking over the reins of the Dravidian heartland as the Chief Minister on Sunday, heralding a new era in the political trajectory of Tamil Nadu.
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.
Vijay, accompanied by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, signed key files, approving 200 free electricity units, and formation of special task forces for anti-drug enforcement and ensuring women's safety.
Crossing the final hurdle for a majority and putting an end to the uncertainty persisting over government formation in Tamil Nadu, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Saturday secured unconditional support of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and that of the IUML for ‘Vijay Sarkar’.
TVK remains short of the majority mark even after Congress and Left support, while rival camps are now locked in claims over MLA backing.
