The swearing-in ceremony of the new Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government on Sunday morning in Chennai also signalled an evolving partnership not only in Tamil Nadu but in the national political scape between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and TVK president C. Joseph Vijay. Mr. Gandhi’s presence on the stage could mark the beginning of the Congress’s new post-poll partnership in Tamil Nadu, after it snapped ties with the DMK.

During his speech after assuming office, Mr. Vijay referred to Mr. Gandhi his “brother”. It was that very equation DMK president M.K. Stalin and Mr. Gandhi shared before their ties turned sour. A chair was put up for the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha next to that of Mr Vijay’s.

Mr. Vijay on social media thanked Mr. Gandhi for gracing the occasion. “Your support and kind wishes are truly appreciated as we embark on this journey to serve the people,” Mr. Vijay remarked. If the TVK government was to face a challenge from the Union government, he could find support from Congress. Though the CPI, CPI-M, VCK and IUML declared support from outside for the TVK government, they have declared they are more aligned with the DMK.

With 107 seats (following Mr. Vijay’s resignation from Tiruchi East) in the 17th TN Assembly, the TVK would be able to elect three Rajya Sabha MPs. With Congress-led United Democratic Front securing a decisive win in neighbouring Kerala, the party’s influence in southern India, may be on the rise.