In a significant display of inter-state political camaraderie, Kerala’s CM-designate VD Satheesan has extended an official invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for his swearing-in ceremony on May 18, 2026. The invitation comes just a week after the Congress party provided critical support to help Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) form a coalition government in Tamil Nadu. The deepening “bonhomie” between the two leaders reflects the shifting political landscape across South India following the recent assembly elections.
Strengthening the Congress-TVK Alliance
The relationship between the two parties has strengthened significantly since the Tamil Nadu elections last month, where the TVK fell 10 seats short of a majority. The Congress party’s support, alongside other allies like the IUML and Left parties, was instrumental in securing the Governor’s nod for Vijay’s government formation. Notably, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attended Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony in Chennai on May 10, where the two were seen sharing a celebratory moment with supporters. Now, with the Congress set to lead a coalition in Kerala, the presence of the Tamil Nadu CM would further solidify this post-poll alliance.
Grand Ceremony Planned in Thiruvananthapuram
The oath-taking event, scheduled for May 18, is expected to be a high-profile gathering of regional leaders. In addition to CM Vijay, an invitation has also been extended to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, signaling a push for greater coordination between the neighboring Congress-led and allied states. Formal announcements regarding the full attendee list are expected once logistics are finalized by the party high command. The event marks a major milestone for VD Satheesan, who was officially named the leader of the Congress Legislature Party on May 14.
While many leaders are expected to attend, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has confirmed he will skip the ceremony. Tharoor stated on X that he will be in the United States to deliver a commencement address and attend a 50th-anniversary reunion at his alma mater, the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Despite his absence, the ceremony is poised to be a “mass” political event, highlighting the unity of the new coalition. For more exclusive updates on the Satheesan-Vijay summit and the latest “magical” reports from the Mollywood political scene, stay tuned to Simply Mollywood!
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