Congress MLAs pledge support, TVK govt will serve full term: Minister

Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan has asserted that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will complete its full five-year term. Speaking to reporters at Tiruchi international airport on Sunday, the Congress leader said the administration would function effectively and that the Chief Minister would announce welfare schemes for the public.

Mr. Viswanathan said all five Congress MLAs in the state, with the blessings of party leader Rahul Gandhi, have extended their full assurance and support to the TVK government. He dismissed any doubts about the stability of the government.

The Minister also said Rahul Gandhi would be projected as the Congress's Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, and that the party would convey this in one voice. He claimed that people across the country have lost confidence in the 15-year rule of the BJP-led NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Responding to a question, Mr. Viswanathan said Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar was upholding the dignity and traditions of the House.

On the Higher Education department, the Minister said the government had increased the consolidated monthly pay of guest lecturers in polytechnics, engineering, arts, and science colleges by ₹5,000. He also mentioned the announcement of a Career Advancement Scheme with financial benefits for college teachers. Results of the Teachers Recruitment Board examination are expected to be announced soon, he added.