The Tamil National Council (TNC) has formally congratulated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister-elect Joseph Vijay following his electoral victory, expressing hope that his leadership would strengthen support for the political aspirations of Eelam Tamils.
In a letter dated 6 May 2026 and addressed to the president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the TNC described Vijay’s victory as a significant political moment for Tamils across the Palk Strait.
The letter, signed by TNC president and Jaffna District parliamentarian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, stated that Vijay was “set to assume the high responsibility of Chief Minister with the immense support of the people”.
It further described the election result as “a new milestone in the political history of Tamil Nadu”.
The TNC used the occasion to reflect on the longstanding relationship between Tamil Nadu and the Tamil nation in the North-East, recalling the support extended during the Tamil liberation struggle.
“The boundless love and immense support shown by them toward the National Leader, His Excellency V. Prabhakaran, who led the Eelam liberation struggle, and toward our people, are etched in our history in golden letters,” the letter stated.
The council added that, just as Tamil Nadu had stood alongside Eelam Tamils historically, it now expected “the same firm support” from Vijay’s administration amid the continuing political grievances faced by Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Referring to the aftermath of the Mullivaikkal genocide, the TNC said the political aspirations of Eelam Tamils remained unresolved despite decades of struggle for “Tamil national recognition and security”.
“We hope that this political change in Tamil Nadu will bring new strength to our struggle for political rights,” the letter read.
The council also urged Vijay to raise the question of a political solution for Eelam Tamils with the Indian central government and at international forums.
Invoking what it described as an “umbilical cord relationship” between Tamils in Tamil Nadu and the Tamil homeland, the TNC expressed hope that Vijay’s leadership would extend support “toward the dawn of our homeland”.
The letter concluded by wishing Vijay success in his future political work.
The statement follows a series of congratulatory messages issued by Tamil political representatives in Sri Lanka following TVK’s electoral success.
Several Tamil parliamentarians welcomed Vijay’s victory as a historic moment, with ITAK Jaffna District MP Sivagnanam Shritharan stating that “Eelam people see this victory in a favourable position, perceiving it as their own victory.”
Senior Tamil leaders, including M. A. Sumanthiran and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, also expressed hope that Tamil Nadu under Vijay’s leadership would continue to support the aspirations and rights of Eelam Tamils.