CM Vijay’s MRF Meet Goes Viral After Kohli-Signed Bat Presentation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay drew attention beyond the political and industrial circles on Friday after a high-profile meeting at the state secretariat with tyre major MRF turned into a moment of celebrity-style optics and symbolic gestures.

The meeting focused on the company’s expansion plans , production outlook, and a proposed ₹5,300 crore greenfield tyre manufacturing facility in Sivaganga district, expected to generate around 1,000 jobs . While the discussions underscored Tamil Nadu’s push to position itself as a hub for the auto and manufacturing sectors , the event quickly gained an entertainment-like sheen due to its ceremonial moments.

During the interaction, MRF officials presented the Chief Minister with a special edition MRF Genius Grand cricket bat autographed by Indian cricket star Virat Kohli . The gesture, captured in photographs, showed Vijay holding the bat in front of the statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, adding a visually symbolic layer that quickly drew attention on social media.

Adding to the day’s spotlight, Vijay also received a congratulatory phone call from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who reportedly praised the state’s development focus and hinted at a possible future visit, further amplifying the event’s international resonance.

Though rooted in economic and diplomatic discussions, the mix of celebrity sports memorabilia , symbolic imagery, and high-level engagement gave the day an unusual entertainment-style buzz, blurring the lines between governance, branding, and public spectacle.