Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay with Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Delhi on Wednesday (June 10). Photo: X/@INCIndia
Vijay meets Sonia and Rahul in Delhi, said to have discussed 2029 election
Besides the Congress meeting, Vijay is scheduled to attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting on Thursday, chaired by Prime Minister Modi
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay met Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi at the former’s 10 Janpath residence in Delhi on Wednesday evening (June 10).
The meeting comes during Vijay’s three-day visit to the national capital and his second since assuming office as Chief Minister in May and marks his first formal engagement with the top Congress leadership after taking charge.
What they discussed
Sources said that the discussions centred on strengthening political ties, with an eye on the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
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Vijay’s TVK (Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam) has already inducted two Congress legislators into the state council of ministers, bringing the grand old party back into Tamil Nadu’s government for the first time since 1967. This development is seen as a strategic realignment, especially after the Congress-DMK alliance reportedly soured.
Political observers note that the Congress, currently out of power at the Centre, views Vijay as a valuable partner in the south, reminiscent of the party’s alliance with MG Ramachandran’s AIADMK in the Indira Gandhi era, though the balance of power has now shifted.
NITI Aayog meeting
This Delhi visit contrasts with Vijay’s previous trip in late May, when he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah but skipped a planned interaction with Congress leaders, sparking speculation. The successful meeting this time underscores a deliberate outreach.
Besides the Congress meeting, Vijay is scheduled to attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting on Thursday, chaired by Prime Minister Modi. He is expected to highlight Tamil Nadu’s priorities on economic development, welfare schemes, and infrastructure. The Chief Minister is also likely to call on President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, and other Central leaders during his stay.
