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Vijay to celebrate first birthday as TN Chief Minister today

Chennai, June 22 (IANS) Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay turned 52 on Monday as he marked his first birthday since assuming office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. To mark the occasion, TVK functionaries have organised special prayers in temples, ‘annadanam’ programmes, blood donation camps and welfare assistance initiatives across the State, transforming Vijay’s first birthday as Chief Minister into a statewide celebration.

The occasion has sparked celebrations across Tamil Nadu, with party workers, supporters and well-wishers organising special events and welfare programmes in various districts.

Vijay’s rise from one of Tamil cinema’s most popular actors to the highest political office in the State has been one of the most remarkable political journeys in recent years.

He formally entered politics on February 2, 2024, when he announced the launch of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a move that immediately attracted widespread attention across the State.

Following the party’s formation, Vijay organised two major political conferences at Vikravandi and Madurai.

The events drew massive crowds and established TVK as a significant force in Tamil Nadu politics.

The actor-turned-politician steadily expanded his political base while presenting a vision centred on social justice, good governance and inclusive development.

As part of his political ideology, Vijay identified social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, freedom fighter Velu Nachiyar and social activist Anjalai Ammal as the guiding figures of his movement.

TVK contested the 2026 Assembly elections within two years of its formation. Campaigning across the State without entering into electoral alliances, Vijay appealed directly to voters and sought a mandate to bring political change.

His campaign resonated strongly with the electorate, with the party’s whistle symbol emerging as a prominent feature of the election season.

The election results delivered a historic victory for TVK, enabling Vijay to form the government and take oath as Chief Minister on May 10.

The victory marked a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape and cemented his transition from cinema icon to political leader.

With the Assembly session currently underway, legislators from both the ruling and Opposition Benches are expected to extend birthday greetings to the Chief Minister.

Reports also indicate that Vijay may make an important announcement in the Assembly during the day.

–IANS

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Bihar CM removes woman doctor’s hijab; RJD releases video

Patna, Dec 15 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has landed in a controversy following allegations that he allegedly removed the hijab of a woman doctor during an appointment letter distribution ceremony in Patna on Monday.

The incident, which surfaced through a short video clip, has drawn sharp criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

The RJD shared an 11-second video of the event on its official X account, questioning the Chief Minister’s conduct.

In an X post, the RJD wrote, “What has happened to Nitish Ji? Has his mental state completely deteriorated, or has Nitish Babu (Nitish Kumar) now become a 100 per cent member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh?”

The video shows Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on stage along with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Health Minister Mangal Pandey during the ceremony.

Reacting to the incident, State RJD Spokesperson Ejaz Ahmad alleged that the act amounted to an insult to women and the Muslim community.

“The removal of a Muslim woman’s hijab by the Chief Minister while handing out appointment letters is an insult to women. This incident reflects the NDA government’s attitude towards the Muslim community,” Ahmad said.

He also alleged that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was indulging in politics aimed at appeasing the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

“The Constitution of India grants every citizen the freedom to follow their religious traditions. When a Chief Minister is accused of such conduct, it raises serious concerns about the government’s functioning and ideological direction,” he added.

Demanding accountability from the Bihar government, RJD Spokesperson Ahmad said that CM Nitish Kumar should issue a public apology, claiming that the act had hurt the sentiments of women and minorities.

The controversy arose during an official event where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar distributed appointment letters to 1,283 AYUSH doctors (Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, and Unani) at Samvad Hall in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

Following the event, CM Nitish Kumar posted on his official X account, saying, “Today, I participated in the appointment letter distribution ceremony for 1,283 AYUSH doctors at Samvad Hall. This step will provide opportunities to new talent in the healthcare sector and further strengthen traditional medicine systems. My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the newly appointed AYUSH doctors.”

As of now, there has been no official response from the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar or the Bihar government addressing the allegations raised by the Opposition.

–IANS

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TVK meet: Vijay’s party demands withdrawal of Waqf Bill, continuation of bilingual policy

Chennai, March 28 (IANS) The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, held its first-ever general council meeting on Friday in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, where it demanded withdrawal of the Waqf Bill and continuation of the bilingual policy.

The meeting witnessed the participation of over 2,000 members and saw the adoption of 17 resolutions addressing various pressing issues at both the state and national levels.

A key resolution passed at the meeting was the party’s strong demand for the Union government to withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill.

The TVK stated that while the Bill was presented as a measure to ensure transparency in managing Waqf properties, it would, in reality, undermine the rights of the Muslim community and impose restrictions that could further marginalise them.

The TVK also demanded the continuation of the bilingual policy and stiffly opposed the three language policy put forward by the Centre.

The party also reiterated its steadfast support for the fishermen of Tamil Nadu, who have long suffered due to frequent attacks and killings by the Sri Lankan Navy.

TVK demanded a permanent solution from the Union government to address the grievances of the fishing community and pledged to go to great lengths to safeguard their interests.

Other significant resolutions passed during the session reflected the TVK’s commitment to social justice, decentralisation of power, and good governance.

The party, in its resolution, also opposed the construction of a new airport in Parandur, citing environmental and displacement concerns.

It also demanded greater devolution of powers to state governments, ensuring more autonomy in regional governance.

The TVK also called for constitution of special fast-track courts to investigate cases of sexual assault, speeding up justice for victims.

The party resolution also condemned the DMK government for its failure to maintain law and order.

The TVK demanded a probe into the Rs 1,000 crore scam in TASMAC, the state-run liquor outlet chain.

The TVK resolution also supported a caste-wise Census to ensure equitable representation and policies aimed at social justice.

The party also urged the government not to deceive employees, teachers, and workers with false promises.

In a move to honour Tamil Nadu’s legacy of social reform, the party proposed naming the upcoming international convention centre on East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai after Periyar, a revered social reformer.

TVK also voiced its continued support for a lasting solution to the Sri Lankan Tamil issue, advocating for a referendum as a democratic way forward.

The party reaffirmed its allegiance to the principles of its policy leaders and unanimously granted its leader, Vijay, full authority to steer the party’s future course.

Vijay officially launched TVK on February 2, 2024, positioning it as a platform against corruption and divisive politics.

While he chose not to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he has confirmed that TVK will actively participate in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Vijay has made it clear that TVK will align only with parties that accept his leadership, signaling his ambition to emerge as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post in 2026.

–IANS

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