India, June 22 -- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay turned 52 on Monday, drawing birthday wishes from across the political spectrum, including one from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who pledged to stand with the actor-turned-politician who is the newest ally of the Grand Old Party.

"Wishing the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Joseph Vijay, a very happy birthday. I wish you good health and success in all your efforts. I stand with you in defending the rights, dignity, and aspirations of the Tamil people, and in working together for the state's progress," Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

The greeting, coming just three days after Vijay had wished Gandhi on his 56th birthday in equally warm terms, underlined the growing public bonhomie...