Chennai: Rahul Gandhi Meets CM Vijay Over Coffee
Rahul Gandhi first met TN CM Vijay at his residence and later went to a nearby cafe and reportedly had a coffee drink (Cappuccino), Tiramisu, cookies and coffee.
CHENNAI: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay at his Neelankarai residence in Chennai and discussed strengthening political cooperation between the Congress and the ruling party.
The two leaders held discussions for nearly an hour on political developments, governance and issues concerning the youth, including unemployment, education reforms and opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), party sources said.
Image Source: INCIndia X A/c
The meeting also covered the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations of irregularities in voter registration.
After their discussions, Gandhi and Vijay visited Bask by Coffee, a cafe in the neighbourhood, where they reportedly had cappuccino, tiramisu, cookies and coffee.
The two leaders were seen walking together from Vijay's residence amid tight security and cheers from supporters, according to a senior TVK functionary.
Though no official statement was issued on the discussions, party sources said the meeting focused on strengthening long-term cooperation between the alliance partners and coordinating governance priorities.
The meeting came days after the TVK formally joined the I.N.D.I.A. bloc in Tamil Nadu on October 3, with its representatives attending a meeting of Opposition parties in Chennai.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore said the TVK was already part of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc and there was no need for a separate announcement about its entry.
He said cooperation between the two parties in Tamil Nadu was already evident.
Following the meeting, Gandhi proceeded to a hotel before attending the Congress youth outreach programme, 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' (Maanavargalin Kural), at Island Grounds in Chennai in the evening.
Police said entry to the programme was restricted to participants with QR codes, with separate entry corridors for men and women. The general public was not permitted to attend as part of the security arrangements.