Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) C Joseph Vijay received a rapturous welcome in Tiruchirappalli on Monday where he had arrived for his first public rally in the city following his historic victory in the state assembly elections 2026. The event saw a footfall of thousands of supporters, fans and workers from his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). 

Addressing a packed crowd at the St Joseph College grounds, CM Vijay thanked the people of Trichy East for their overwhelming support in the recently-concluded polls. Notably, the constituency played a pivotal role in his political journey before he later resigned the seat to retain Perambur in Chennai. 

Amid loud cheers from supporters, he said, “My special greetings and heartfelt thanks to all the people of the Tiruchirappalli East constituency.” He added that although he officially represents Perambur now, his emotional connection with the people of Trichy remains unchanged. 

“You made me your first servant”: CM Vijay

In his speech laced with political messaging and gratitude, CM Vijay said the public had rejected traditional political forces and had trusted in a new leadership. He remarked, “Only a few weeks have passed since I assumed office. Yet those who claimed they would remain silent for six months could not remain silent even for six days.” He then credited the voters for bringing TVK to power and described himself not as a ruler, but as a public servant. 

Striking an emotional chord, he said, “You chose your Vijay, your elder brother, your younger brother, who came to work for you genuinely. You did not make me the Chief Minister; you made me your first servant.” He then expressed confidence that the trust shown by the electorate would continue in future elections. 

Vijay vows to follow footsteps of MGR, Anna and Periyar

Recalling the legacy of the state’s former CM MG Ramachandran (MGR), Vijay said comparisons with the legendary leader were unnecessary but acknowledged the inspiration he draws from him. 

He said, “People said even MGR did not receive such a vote share in his first election. I am not comparing myself with MGR. MGR is MGR. I am your Vijay, who has come to work along the path shown by MGR, Anna and Periyar.” 

Vijay's convoy receives floral welcome

Earlier in the day, CM Vijay was accorded a ceremonial police salute upon arrival. Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and S Ramesh, senior government officials and Lok Sabha MP Durai Vaiko were among the ones who welcomed him. 

He later took an open vehicle to travel nearly 10 kilometres from the airport to the rally venue, waving to supporters lining both sides of the route. During this, his convoy received a floral welcome from the party workers while chants of ‘Vijay’ reverberated across the city. Police deployed extensive security measures to manage the huge influx of people. 

It is noteworthy that Trichy was also the city where Vijay launched his statewide, “I Am Coming” campaign on September 13, 2025.