Vijay calls on president, VP, Congress leaders in Delhi

Chennai: Chief minister C Joseph Vijay called on Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday reinforcing his ties with Congress.

Vijay who reached Delhi on a three day visit called on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan as well. He also met CPI national general secretary D Raja.

This is Vijay’s second visit to Delhi after assuming charge as chief minister. During his first visit, he met PM Narendra Modi and Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

While Vijay’s meetings with the President and Vice President were courtesy calls that could not take place during his first visit.

But his interactions with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi at their residence and D Raja at CPI’s headquarters carried a political significance. TVK sources said Vijay had thanked Sonia Gandhi for the support extended by Congress for the TVK govt formation in TN. He had also thanked D Raja for the party’s support to TVK govt. The meetings have come in the backdrop of growing efforts by a section of Congress leadership to draw TVK closer INDIA bloc. Congress had faced criticism from some of its allies during the recent INDIA bloc meeting for leaving the DMK and joining hands with TVK after the Tamil Nadu elections.

Vijay is set to attend Niti Aayog governing council meeting on Thursday where he is expected to give a statement on the priorities of his govt, economic development of the state and welfare programmes that require Union govt’s support.