Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s repeated emphasis on “secular politics” has triggered speculation about a possible future alignment with the INDIA bloc. During his oath speech, Vijay called for a “real, secular social justice” era, while Congress formally backed his government on the condition that “communal forces” remain outside the alliance. Rahul Gandhi’s warm interaction with Vijay at the swearing-in ceremony further fuelled the buzz. The development has also deepened tensions between Congress and the DMK in Tamil Nadu politics. Watch