Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Vijay Joins Modi at Metro Launch and Temple Visit
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay spent Sunday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They opened a new part of Chennai’s Metro system and rode on it before it began carrying passengers.
Vijay then joined Modi at IIT Madras and at a temple.
The temple visit drew attention because it went beyond the usual official event they could have attended together.
The day came just after Vijay had lunch with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.
Vijay said the state and national governments should work together and asked for help with several projects.
Modi said the new projects would improve travel and create jobs.
The weekend showed Vijay appearing alongside leaders from different national political camps.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay inaugurated the first operational stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II on Sunday.
The Rs 4,900-crore, 14.64-km elevated stretch runs between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani, with 11 stations initially open.
After the Metro launch, Vijay accompanied Modi to IIT Madras and the Jalakandeshwarar Temple, going beyond the usual shared platform at an official event.
The visit followed Vijay’s Saturday lunch with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, creating a striking contrast in his public engagements with national political figures.
At IIT Madras, Vijay sought support for several state projects, while Modi said the Centre would support Tamil Nadu’s development.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Metro flag-off.
- What
- They inaugurated and rode the first operational stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II; Vijay also accompanied Modi to IIT Madras and the Jalakandeshwarar Temple.
- When
- Sunday; Vijay had hosted Rahul Gandhi for lunch on Saturday.
- Where
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu, including Porur Bypass station, IIT Madras and the Jalakandeshwarar Temple.
- Why
- The Metro inauguration was part of a programme of development projects; Vijay also used the event to seek central support for Tamil Nadu priorities.
Development and cooperation
Political significance
Vijay's appearance alongside Modi
Development and cooperation
The shared events were part of an official programme to inaugurate infrastructure and discuss Tamil Nadu’s development.
Political significance
The temple visit and repeated public appearances together went beyond routine protocol and drew attention because Vijay’s government is allied with Congress.
Vijay's cross-party engagements
Development and cooperation
The article notes that chief ministers have dealt with prime ministers from rival political formations, and Vijay said cooperation between the state and Centre benefits people.
Political significance
Vijay’s lunch with Rahul Gandhi on Saturday followed by a day alongside Modi highlighted the political balancing act of leading a Congress-allied state government.
- Metro section
- Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani
- Section length
- 14.64 km, elevated
- Project cost
- Rs 4,900 crore
- Stations initially open
- 11
- Passenger services began
- 4 pm Sunday
- Wider project package
- More than Rs 13,000 crore in projects
- Vijay's economic target
- Tamil Nadu as a $1.5-trillion economy by 2036