He was responding to a question from the media who were gathered at the Chennai Airport, awaiting the Chief Minister's return from Spain.
MK Stalin addressing the media following his return from Spain. (Screengrab)
Since actor Vijay’s recent foray into politics with his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Tamil Nadu politicians and actors have weighed in on his decision.
The most recent response came from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who on Wednesday, 7 February, said, “Whenever someone comes to serve people, whoever it is, it makes me happy.”
He was responding to a question from the media gathered at the Chennai International Airport, awaiting the Chief Minister’s return from Spain.
Stalin’s welcome to Vijay comes at a time the Tamil Nadu political corridors are abuzz with speculations of who will benefit from the actor’s venture into politics. Interestingly, the first enthusiastic welcome to Vijay’s foray into politics came from Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai.
Vijay, known for films such as Leo, Mersal, Master, and Bigil, said his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, will contest the 2026 Assembly polls in the state. He added that his party would not support anybody in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
When asked what he thought of Prime Minister Modi’s claim that the ruling party at the Centre would win 400 seats in the upcoming Parliamentary elections, Stalin quipped, “Just 400? There are 543 seats, and it won’t be surprising if they say they will win all of them.”
When asked about Prime Minister Modi’s address in Parliament, Stalin said he “saw, read, enjoyed, and laughed” at it. Stalin said that Modi, ever since assuming power, has been speaking continuously as if the “BJP is in the opposition and the Congress is the ruling party”.
“The Prime Minister behaved as though he was an opposition leader and attacked the Congress which was a ‘puzzle,’ that could not be understood,” the DMK chief alleged.
As the ruling party DMK prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Chief Minister travelled to Spain — from 29 January to 6 February — in a bid to attract substantial investments to Tamil Nadu. Stalin made fervent appeals to Spanish companies to invest in the state that is currently the biggest economy in the south.
The trip also included the Tamil Nadu Investors First Port of Call event, which was organised by the state government in Madrid, where Chief Minister Stalin highlighted Tamil Nadu as a leading state in the country in manufacturing vehicles, electronic equipment, leather goods, as well as in sectors like information technology and renewable energy.
Touching down in Chennai after a rewarding journey in #Spain!
Excited to announce the signing of MoUs for investments worth Rs. 3440 Crores during this trip, with numerous opportunities still awaiting exploration.
Tamil Nadu's economic future is brighter than ever!… pic.twitter.com/GzXyLDJJY8
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 7, 2024
Following successful meetings, key Spanish players like Acciona, Roca, Gestamp, Talgo, Edibon, and Mabtree committed investments in the Southern state. Stalin announced that MoUs worth ₹3,440 crore were signed with various companies, most notably Edibon — specialising in technical teaching equipment — which signed an MoU confirming an investment of ₹540 crore.
Stalin said that Acciona expressed interest in renewable energy, desalination, and water treatment projects in Tamil Nadu, while Roca pledged an investment of ₹400 crore, proposing the establishment of a new manufacturing unit in Perundurai, Erode district, generating 200 jobs.
Spain’s industrial giants Gestamp and Talgo also committed substantial investments in their respective sectors, Stalin said.
Wrapped up exhilarating talks with top executives from Spain's industrial giants – #Gestamp, #Talgo, and #Edibon. Convinced them of the boundless opportunities in Tamil Nadu, India's manufacturing powerhouse. Thrilled to seal the deal with Edibon, securing a massive investment of… pic.twitter.com/T5bVAuZbI0
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 5, 2024
Chief Minister Stalin’s strategic efforts to boost economic development and attract global investments showcases Tamil Nadu as a favourable destination for business and growth.
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