Vijay turns 52: PM Modi, Kamal Haasan extend wishes; Sivakasi lights up with grand fireworks

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is celebrating his 52nd birthday on Monday, marking his first birthday since assuming office as Chief Minister in May.

The occasion drew greetings from several political leaders across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Chief Ministers MK Stalin and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, Makkal Needhi Maiam President Kamal Haasan and Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran.

Vijay emerged as a major political force in the April 23 Assembly elections, disrupting the dominance of the Dravidian parties and leading a coalition government to power in Tamil Nadu for the first time with the support of former DMK allies.

PM Modi greets Vijay; Kamal Haasan extends wishes to 'brother'

In his message on X, the Prime Minister said, "birthday greetings to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay Ji. I pray for his long and healthy life. @TVKVijayHQ."

Extending birthday greetings to Vijay, Kamal Haasan described him as a leader who has captured the hearts of lakhs and referred to him as his "brother."

Wishes from Stalin, Palaniswami and other leaders

DMK president Stalin greeted Vijay, saying that, "I wish you the strength to continue to serve the public with joy and good health."

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami wished Vijay "a long life and good health in serving the people."

Posting a photograph of Vijay, chief of BJP at Tamil Nadu Nainar Nagenthran, greeted him with abundant health and a long life to continue to excel in public service.

In his birthday message, TMC (Moopanar) founder GK Vasan praised Vijay for bringing a new dynamic to Tamil Nadu politics and winning the support of the people. He expressed hope that the Chief Minister would provide governance that reflects the aspirations and expectations of the public.

AIADMK state women's wing deputy secretary Gayathri Raghuram said on X, "I admire your determination, dedication, and self-belief. On your special day, I wish you a very happy birthday. I pray that you achieve your goals of eradicating corruption, ensuring women's safety, and fostering the development and growth of Tamil Nadu. May you continue to help the poor and the needy and serve the people with sincerity and compassion."

Including the ministers Aadhav Arjuna and Keerthana, a number of TVK leaders and cadres too greeted the Chief Minister.

Grand fireworks display at Sivakasi, marking Vijay’s birthday

Chief Minister Vijay's 52nd birthday was marked by a grand fireworks display in Sivakasi on Sunday night, attracting hundreds of spectators and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) supporters.

Organised by TVK members, the celebrations featured a one-hour continuous fireworks show in Sivakasi, popularly known as India's fireworks capital. The event lit up the night sky with colourful aerial displays and a variety of elaborate pyrotechnic effects, drawing enthusiastic crowds. Actor Jai and State Minister Keerthana attended the celebrations and joined the public in watching the fireworks display.

Born on June 22, 1974, to filmmaker Chandrasekhar and Shoba, C Joseph Vijay rose to prominence as one of Tamil cinema's most popular actors before entering politics. Just two years after launching Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), he led the party to a remarkable victory in the Assembly elections, securing 107 seats in the 234-member House.

Although TVK fell short of the majority mark of 118 seats, Vijay succeeded in forming a coalition government with the support of the Congress, Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), all of which had previously been allies of the DMK.

With agency inputs