Chennai: Chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Saturday hosted leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi and senior Congress leaders for lunch at his Neelankarai home on Saturday, in a show of bonhomie between the alliance partners.The meeting came a day after the TVK-led front won its first electoral test, wresting Madurantakam and Dharapuram assembly constituencies from AIADMK in the Oct 6 bypolls. “It was a one-on-one meeting between Rahul and Vijay that lasted around 20 minutes. They discussed the ongoing political developments. TNCC chief Manickam Tagore and AICC general secretary in charge of Tamil Nadu, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, later accompanied Rahul for lunch,” a senior leader told TOI.Nearly an hour later, Vijay and Rahul left for a cafe in Palavakkam, apparently at the former’s suggestion. The two exchanged pleasantries with members of the public and posed for photographs at the cafe. “Both had only green tea. They are two young leaders building a long-term relationship,” said another TNCC leader. Photographs shared by TVK and Congress on social media showed the two leaders interacting warmly.The meeting came against the backdrop of protests in the state demanding the removal of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Congress has supported the demand, while TVK govt has taken action against the protesters.DMK president M K Stalin criticised TVK govt for arresting youths who were protesting for Kumar’s immediate removal. Referring to the bypoll results, the former chief minister described them as a “victory in defeat” for DMK in the two constituencies, while claiming that TVK had suffered “defeat in its victory”. TNCC chief Manickam Tagore said DMK should introspect on the results instead of displaying arrogance. “If the DMK enjoys such a victory, it is good for us,” he said.
