New Tamil Nadu CM Vijay meets MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi ahead of crucial floor test

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay met former Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M K Stalin “with political courtesy” at his residence in Chennai on Monday.

“Honourable Mr Vijay, who has assumed the role of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, met me with political courtesy and received my greetings. I extended to him my heartfelt congratulations as well as my advice,” Stalin posted on X while sharing a few images from the meeting held just ahead of the floor test.

During the visit, Vijay also met former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

First meeting after Vijay becomes CM

Vijay's party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), formed the government in the state with support from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML.

The meeting marked Vijay's first interaction with the senior DMK leaders after he took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. Nine cabinet ministers were also sworn in on the same day.

All MLAs of the State Legislative Assembly took the oath as members of the House on Monday.

Among those sworn in were Aadhav Arjuna, Dr KG Arunraj, N Anand, KA Sengottaiyan, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, and Dr TK Prabhu and Selvi S Keerthana.

Before the swearing-in of the MLAs, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay took oath as a member of the House. The oath was administered by pro tem Speaker MV Karuppaiah.

In his first speech after being sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM, Vijay expressed his will to run a “transparent government”, noting that he would perform all actions "openly." He also accused the previous DMK government of emptying the state's treasury.

“After reviewing everything, I intend to release a white paper to the people. I want my government to be transparent. That is the very first thing I want to do. As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, if I need to meet someone, I will not do so in secret or behind closed doors. Whatever I do, I will do openly and transparently. I request that you all give me some time. I will gradually fulfil everything I have promised and will sincerely strive to implement them. This is your government. I will ensure strict safety for women,” CM Vijay said.

Vijay's first moves after taking the CM office

Soon after taking the oath, Vijay signed the first set of official documents related to key poll promises and governance measures.

The approvals included providing 200 units of free electricity and constituting Special Task Forces to tackle drug-related crimes and strengthen women's safety in the state.

Vijay to face floor test

Vijay's brief meeting with Stalin and Udhayanidhi took place days before the crucial floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly to demonstrate the TVK regime's majority in the House.

The floor test will likely be held on 13 May, news agency ANI reported.

VCK, IUML and the Left parties that have extended support to the TVK are part of the DMK-led front. The Congress, which has extended support to TVK, is a former DMK ally and has five MLAs in the 234-member House.

The TVK registered a major victory in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, emerging as the single-largest party with 108 seats (107 after Vijay's resignation from Tiruchirappalli East).

Although TVK fell short of the majority mark of 118 seats, the party secured support from several other parties, including the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Left parties, and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), enabling Vijay to form the government in the state.

(With inputs from ANI)