Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay paid a floral tribute to social reformer Thanthai Periyar EV Ramasamy at the Periyar memorial on Sunday [3].

The visit serves as a symbolic start to his administration, linking his leadership to the legacy of one of the state's most influential social thinkers. By honoring Periyar, the chief minister aims to align his governance with the principles of social justice, and reform.

Vijay, who is the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu [1], visited the memorial located on Salai Road in Chennai [3]. The act marks one of his first official engagements after assuming office. During the event, he said he wants a "new era" of governance in the state [1].

The ceremony took place on May 10, 2026 [3]. The Periyar memorial is a central site for those honoring the legacy of EV Ramasamy, whose work focused on dismantling caste hierarchies and challenging traditional social structures.

As the 13th person to hold the office [1], Vijay's transition from the film industry to the highest political seat in the state has been a focal point of regional attention. The floral tribute is intended to signal a commitment to the state's ideological roots, a move often seen in the political traditions of Tamil Nadu.

“Vijay, who is the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu”

The act of paying tribute to Periyar is a critical political ritual in Tamil Nadu. By anchoring his first days in office to the legacy of the Self-Respect Movement, Vijay is attempting to establish ideological legitimacy and continuity with the state's social justice framework, bridging his identity as a public figure with the expectations of the regional electorate.