Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale calls on CM Vijay at the Secretariat in a courtesy meeting, discussing Dalit community welfare and Centre-State cooperation.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, who is also president of the Republican Party of India, called on Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at the Secretariat on Friday in what was officially described as a courtesy meeting — hours before CM Vijay made his surprise inspection of the M.C. Rajah Adi Dravidar Hostel in Saidapet.
The meeting drew attention in political circles given Athawale's earlier remarks, made ahead of the Assembly elections, suggesting CM Vijay might join the NDA after the polls — a claim at odds with TVK's own stated position considering the BJP a principal rival. With no other known engagement bringing Athawale to Chennai, the visit was widely read as more than a routine courtesy call.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Athawale said he discussed issues concerning the Dalit community in Tamil Nadu with CM Vijay. He also expressed confidence that Parliament would successfully adopt the Delimitation Bill and the Women's Reservation Bill.
Ramdas Athawale Centre-State Relations Social Justice CM Vijay July 17, 2026