A high-profile official event in Chennai turned into a major political talking point on Sunday when supporters of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay waved placards and posters declaring him the “Next Prime Minister in 2029” in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The spectacle unfolded on the Madras campus as both leaders shared the dais to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for strategic infrastructure projects valued at roughly ₹13,000 crore. Security personnel intervened to lower the banners, but the persistent demonstration in front of broadcasting cameras brought the burgeoning political ambitions of Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), into the national spotlight during PM Modi’s first state visit following the April assembly elections.
High-Voltage Sloganeering: Police Intervene as ‘Next PM Vijay 2029’ Placards Emerge
The public gathering saw unexpected sloganeering right as the Prime Minister acknowledged the state’s leadership:
Slogans During Prime Ministerial Address: According to PTI, the moment PM Modi mentioned Chief Minister Vijay’s name from the podium, groups of TVK cadres erupted in whistles and raised handwritten posters displaying Vijay’s photograph alongside the bold text “Next PM Vijay 2029.”
Cat-and-Mouse Game with Security: Police officers and venue security personnel quickly moved into the crowd to instruct cadres to sit down and put away the banners, though supporters raised them again toward television cameras once officials stepped away.
First Bilateral Stage Post-Election: The public display was notable as it occurred during the Prime Minister’s inaugural official visit to Tamil Nadu since the April assembly elections, which saw Vijay’s TVK secure an electoral victory to form the state government.
Infrastructure Push: ₹4,900-Crore Chennai Metro Stretch Flagged Off Along with Key Industrial Works
Setting political rivalries aside, PM Modi and CM Vijay jointly inaugurated several large-scale infrastructure assets:
Poonamallee-Vadapalani Metro Link: Both dignitaries officially flagged off operations on the 15-kilometer Poonamallee–Vadapalani elevated stretch under Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project, constructed at an expenditure of nearly ₹4,900 crore with 11 operational stations, followed by a joint ceremonial train ride.
Energy and Logistics Expansion: The event marked project unveilings across Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (CPCL) Manali refinery, newly upgraded AMRUT railway stations, regional highway stretches, and key maritime port facilities.
Cooperative Federalism Focus: Addressing the gathering, PM Modi asserted that political transitions do not alter development mandates, declaring that central cooperation will continue alongside CM Vijay because national progress is inextricably linked to state prosperity.
CM Vijay Lists State Demands: ₹5,110-Crore Education Funds and Tamil in Madras High Court
During his official address, Chief Minister Vijay emphasized that smooth governance requires constructive coordination, presenting specific demands directly to the Centre:
Unconditional School Funding: Vijay called for the prompt, unconditional clearance of the long-pending ₹5,110 crore allocation owed to the state under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Linguistic Representation in Judiciary: The Chief Minister urged the Union government to officially recognize Tamil as an official language of proceedings in the Madras High Court.
Mass Rapid Transit Expansion: Vijay requested central clearance for Phase III of the Chennai Metro, reconsiderations for metro networks in Coimbatore and Madurai, and approval for the cross-border Hosur–Bengaluru interstate metro corridor.
Cultural Overtures: PM Modi Cites Thirukkural and Mahakavi Bharati
The Prime Minister concluded his state address by celebrating Tamil Nadu’s civilizational contributions:
Tribute to Tamil Literature: PM Modi lauded the enduring ethical guidance of the ancient Thirukkuralrecalling that he had personally gifted a Russian-translated edition of the scripture to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Invoking Mahakavi Bharati: The Prime Minister paid homage to legendary national poet Subramania Bharati, quoting his poem Achamillai to underline fearlessness and resolve in public governance.