For the first time since becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, the TVK supremo, met the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Sonia Gandhi, and the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, at the former's residence.
The meeting came after the Tamil Nadu CM landed in Delhi on Wednesday. Upon his arrival, he first had a high-level meeting with the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan at 4.30 pm. Later, the actor-politician also met the Vice President, CP Radhakrishnan and held talks.
After concluding the two meetings, Vijay headed towards 10, Janpath, Sonia Gandhi's official residence and met both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
Although the key motive behind this visit is unknown yet, it can be expected that the leaders might have discussed the coalition dynamics in Tamil Nadu. Right after the outcome of the Tamil Nadu assembly election, the Congress Party formed a coalition with the TVK by breaking away from its longstanding association with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The move stirred a major row in both state and national circles as the DMK leaders openly criticised the Grand Old Party.
During his last visit to Delhi, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. However, he left for Chennai without meeting Rahul Gandhi, despite the meeting being on his schedule."
The postponement triggered political speculation. However, MP Christopher Tilak dismissed everything,, saying that the leaders could not meet because of their busy schedule.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Tilak said the chief minister had decided to keep the current visit strictly official and avoid political engagements.
“The CM met PM Modi and left. He is expected to visit New Delhi again on June 11, during which he will definitely meet Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi,” Tilak said.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister will also take part in tomorrow's Niti Aayog meeting that is scheduled for tomorrow.
Source: India Today