Vijay holds meeting with prominent Congress leader, triggers political speculation

CHENNAI: Praveen Chakravarty, Chairman of the All India Professionals' Congress (AIPC), met TVK chief Vijay in Chennai. The meeting took place at Vijay’s residence. Praveen’s visit happened soon after Congress leaders met Chief Minister MK Stalin to discuss seat sharing for the 2026 Assembly elections. According to the Tamil Nadu Congress (TN PCC), Praveen’s move may create confusion within the DMK-led alliance. The state unit is expected to report the matter to the AICC.

Just three days ago, Praveen had posted on X praising Vijay. Praveen took charge of the AIPC in 2023 after Shashi Tharoor stepped down. He is also the head of the Congress party’s data analytics department.

Late last month, former AIADMK leader and ex-minister KA Sengottaiyan joined TVK. He resigned as the Gopichettipalayam MLA, ending his 50-year association with the AIADMK, before entering Vijay’s party. Recently, Sengottaiyan’s meeting with Congress leader and former minister Thirunavukkarasar sparked fresh speculation. The two met during a wedding function in Erode. Party sources claim Sengottaiyan invited Thirunavukkarasar to join TVK, but Thirunavukkarasar denied this and said they did not discuss politics.