TN CM C Joseph Vijay Gifts Sunglasses to Elderly Woman During Salem Visit

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay made an unscheduled stop in Salem on Tuesday and gifted his Christian Dior sunglasses to an elderly woman named Chellam during an impromptu visit to a roadside farmhouse.

Vijay was in Salem to open the gates of the Mettur Dam for the release of water for Samba paddy cultivation in the Cauvery Delta. After completing an inspection of the Mettur hydroelectric power station, he was travelling towards the Salem airport when he noticed a group of elderly women working in nearby fields and stepped out of his vehicle to meet them.

As the Chief Minister's convoy came to a halt, local residents gathered around. Chellam walked over to the area and took Vijay's hand upon seeing him. Chellam recalled that the Chief Minister inquired whether she had eaten, to which she responded that she had waited to see him first.

Holding her hand, Vijay walked through the garden area and checked on her well-being. He then toured the dwelling and cattle shed belonging to a local farmer, Palanisamy. During the interaction, Vijay took off his Christian Dior sunglasses, gently persuaded Chellam, and placed them on her face.

During the 15-minute stop, Vijay, who serves as president of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, distributed traditional gifts of dhotis and sarees to the host family. He also spoke with locals about agricultural matters, including the government's recent decision to increase milk procurement prices to Rs 44.

Chellam later told reporters that she was deeply moved by the encounter, noting that the excitement of the visit caused her to forget to mention personal difficulties, such as a lost ration card and dependence on a monthly allowance. Videos of the unscheduled meeting were widely shared on social media.