Rahul Gandhi wishes CM Vijay amid Tamil Nadu political realignment

The political landscape of Tamil Nadu is currently undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a notable realignment of alliances, as highlighted by recent birthday greetings exchanged between prominent national and state leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended warm wishes to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on his 52nd birthday, which fell on June 22, 2026. In his message, Gandhi expressed solidarity with CM Vijay, stating, 'I stand with you in defending the rights, dignity, and aspirations of the Tamil people, and in working together for the state's progress.' This public exchange of felicitations underscores a newly solidified political alliance between the Indian National Congress and Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The formation of this coalition represents a major upheaval in Tamil Nadu politics, as the Congress party notably bypassed its long-term ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), to support the TVK in forming the government after the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. Vijay, born on June 22, 1974, celebrated his first birthday as Chief Minister, having assumed office on May 10, 2026. His entry into the Chief Minister's role came after a historic electoral debut where his party, TVK, emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member assembly, securing 108 seats. The TVK, which Vijay founded in February 2024, managed to form a coalition government with the crucial backing of the Congress, the Left parties (Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist)), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). This new alliance effectively broke the long-standing duopoly of the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu politics, signaling a new era. The state's political dynamics were further complicated by an internal split within the AIADMK, which reportedly aided Vijay's government in successfully passing a confidence motion with 144 votes in the assembly shortly after taking office. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his birthday greetings to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, wishing him a long and healthy life. Other prominent leaders, including former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin and actor-politician Kamal Haasan, also conveyed their wishes, further highlighting the significance of Vijay's birthday as a political event. The warm exchanges between Rahul Gandhi and Vijay, particularly Gandhi's pledge of support, are being closely watched as they are seen as indicators of how these shifting political ties might influence future elections, including the upcoming 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Vijay's journey from a celebrated film actor, popularly known as 'Thalapathy', to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, represents a remarkable political ascent. His decision to retire from cinema to focus on politics and the subsequent success of his party in its maiden assembly election have been widely discussed. The context of 'birthday bonhomie amid Tamil Nadu alliance upheaval' in the original headline is thus accurate and well-supported by the facts, reflecting the complex and evolving political equations in the state.

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