NEW ERA OF POLITICS BEGINS

CM Vijay does an Annadurai

Echoing C. N. Annadurai’s famed 1967 courtesy visit to K. Kamaraj, C. Joseph Vijay met M. K. Stalin ahead of a key floor test, signalling political civility despite recent criticism. Vijay also called on Vaiko, who praised the outreach as healthy democratic politics  

metro india news  I chennai

The year was 1967. Soon after becoming Chief Minister, C. N. Annadurai met Congress stalwart K. Kamaraj in a gesture of political courtesy and respect. The DMK had just ended Congress dominance in Tamil Nadu by defeating Kamaraj’s party, yet Annadurai acknowledged his rival’s stature and contribution to public life. The meeting later came to symbolise political civility in Tamil Nadu politics.

Cut to May 11, 2026. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday called on his predecessor and DMK president M. K. Stalin at the latter’s Alwarpet residence, days ahead of the crucial floor test facing the new government.

This was Vijay’s first meeting with Stalin after assuming office, and government sources described it as a “courtesy call.” Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, accorded Vijay a warm welcome.

The meeting came a day after Vijay sharply criticised the previous DMK regime over the State’s alleged Rs 10 lakh crore debt burden. He had also taken an indirect swipe at the DMK over “multiple power centres,” asserting that he alone would be the power centre in the TVK government.

On Monday, Udhayanidhi greeted Vijay with a handshake and hug upon his arrival. Stalin too embraced Vijay, held his hands and escorted him inside. The leaders exchanged silk shawls and bouquets, while Udhayanidhi presented Vijay with a book chronicling the DMK’s 75-year political journey, Kalathin Niram Karuppu Sivappu-DMK 75.

Later, Vijay visited Vaiko at his residence. Vaiko’s son Durai Vaiko welcomed the Chief Minister. Vaiko honoured Vijay with a silk shawl and garland, and Vijay reciprocated with a shawl.

Speaking to reporters later, Vaiko said Vijay had emerged as a major leader after the elections and that the verdict reflected the people’s desire for change. Praising Vijay for reaching out to Opposition leaders, Vaiko said the gesture sent a message that “healthy politics should be encouraged in Tamil Nadu.”