Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday visited the Alwarpet residence of his predecessor and DMK President M.K. Stalin, marking their first formal engagement since the recent change in leadership.

The meeting, characterised by officials as a "courtesy call," represents the first time Vijay has met with Stalin since his electoral victory and subsequent inauguration. The Chief Minister was greeted with a cordial reception by Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Upon the Chief Minister’s arrival, Udhayanidhi initially welcomed Vijay with a handshake and a warm embrace. Stalin later mirrored the gesture, offering a hug to his successor. During the exchange, Vijay and Stalin observed traditional formalities, honouring one another with silk shawls and floral bouquets.

The diplomatic encounter follows a period of intense political friction, as Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the DMK engaged in a sharp electoral contest leading up to the April 23 polls. Despite the previous bitterness of the campaign, which saw the TVK emerge victorious, Monday’s meeting suggested a professional transition between the two political leaders.

The visit is part of a broader schedule of meetings between the Chief Minister and veteran political figures. Vijay is slated to meet MDMK General Secretary Vaiko in Anna Nagar. Reports further indicate a scheduled meeting on Tuesday with VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan at Ambedkar Ground in Ashok Nagar.

Swearing-In Proceedings

Earlier Monday, Chief Minister Vijay led a contingent of nine ministers, former Chief Ministers including Edappadi K. Palaniswami, former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and the newly elected legislative body in taking the oath of office at the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Pro-tem Speaker M.V. Karuppaiah formally opened the first session of the 17th Assembly by commending Vijay’s electoral victory and leadership before presiding over the administration of the oaths.

The Chief Minister was the first to be sworn in, followed by ministers N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, and T.K. Prabhu. Subsequent participants included DMK legislature party leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and former Chief Ministers Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam.

Varied Oaths and Emotional Tributes

The ceremony featured different forms of induction. Vijay, Udhayanidhi Stalin, and Panneerselvam chose to "solemnly affirmed" their oaths. Conversely, Palaniswami and PMK representative Sowmya Anbumani were among the members who took their oaths in the name of God.

The proceedings were marked by a moment of high emotion when AIADMK MLA K. Mohan of Panrutti broke down during his swearing-in. Mohan offered a tearful tribute to the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, honouring the former AIADMK leader's portrait within the legislative hall with folded hands.

Credential Complications

A brief procedural delay occurred involving Minister S. Keerthana, who was initially unable to be sworn in because she failed to produce her Certificate of Election, a mandatory requirement for the process.

Live television coverage showed Assembly Principal Secretary K. Srinivasan gesturing for the document as Keerthana approached the podium. When she was unable to provide the certificate, the induction was temporarily halted.

"It seems she did not have her certificate of election with her ready," an official told PTI regarding the incident. "Since she could not submit the certificate, the senior official politely declined to allow her to take the oath. She may take oath whenever she submits her certificate of election."

Keerthana later returned to the House with the necessary documentation, submitted it to the Principal Secretary, and successfully completed her oath of office.

With inputs from PTI