Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's meeting with DMK President MK Stalin signals a potential shift in state politics ahead of a crucial floor test for the TVK government.
Key Points
- Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay met DMK President MK Stalin ahead of a crucial floor test for his government.
- The meeting was described as a courtesy call, marking the first meeting between Vijay and Stalin after the recent elections.
- Vijay's visit follows his criticism of the previous DMK regime regarding the state's debt burden.
- Vijay also met with MDMK founder Vaiko, highlighting a move towards healthy politics in Tamil Nadu.
- The floor test on May 13 will determine the TVK regime's majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday called on his predecessor, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M K Stalin at the latter's Alwarpet residence in Chennai, days ahead of the crucial floor test the government is slated to face.
After winning polls and assuming office as the chief minister, this is the first time Vijay was meeting Stalin and the visit was described by government sources as a 'courtesy call'.
Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin accorded a warm welcome to CM Vijay.
Key Discussions Between TN CM and DMK Leader
The meeting happens a day after Vijay's harsh criticism of the previous DMK regime for Rs 10 lakh crore debt burden on the state.
He had also indirectly hit out at the DMK for 'multiple power centres' and had asserted that he was the only power centre in his Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam regime.
DMK chief Stalin had hit back at Vijay for his debt burden jibe.
Later, Vijay called on Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam founder Vaiko.
Floor Test and Political Dynamics in Tamil Nadu
Vijay's brief meeting with Stalin and Udhayanidhi happens days ahead of the crucial floor test in the TN Assembly to demonstrate the TVK regime's majority strength in the House on May 13.
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, the Indian Union Muslim League and the Left parties that have extended support to the TVK are part of the DMK-led front.
Vijay was accompanied by his cabinet colleague N Anand.
Congress party, which has extended support to TVK is a former ally of the DMK. The party has five MLAs in the 234-member House.
In the Assembly, TVK has 107 seats (after Vijay's resignation from Tiruchirappali East) and the support of 13 MLAs of the Congress, the VCK, the IUML and the Left parties.
Warm Reception and Exchange of Gifts
On Monday, Udhayanidhi initially welcomed Vijay with a handshake and a warm embrace upon the CM's arrival.
Later, Stalin also hugged Vijay, held his hands and took him inside his house.
Vijay and Stalin honoured each other with silk shawls and bouquet.
Udhayanidhi presented a book on the historic political journey of the DMK 'Kalathin Niram Karuppu Sivappu-DMK 75'.
The meeting comes after an acrimonious electoral battle between DMK and Vijay's TVK ahead of the April 23 polls, which the latter won.
Vijay's Meeting with MDMK Founder Vaiko
Vijay later proceeded to the residence of MDMK founder Vaiko and met the veteran leader.
Vaiko's son Durai Vaiko welcomed Vijay.
Vaiko presented a white silk shawl to Vijay and also garlanded him. The CM honoured Vaiko with a shawl. Later, the two leaders were seen briefly chatting and those present at Vaiko's residence greeted Vijay.
Later, addressing reporters, Vaiko said Vijay has emerged as a big leader post elections and that the elections showed the people wanted a change.
Lauding Vijay for reaching out to opposition leaders like him, Vaiko said the 'signal being given out is that healthy politics should be encouraged in Tamil Nadu'.
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