Vijay-as-PM pitch strains TVK-Congress ties in Tamil Nadu
Persistent projection of CM Vijay as future PM by TVK leaders and supporters is straining its alliance with Congress in Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu alliance between the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Congress is facing fresh friction over the persistent projection of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay as a future Prime Minister. The campaign, driven not only by party supporters and its media ecosystem but also by elected representatives, has begun to rankle its coalition partner.
On the floor of the Assembly, PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna suggested that the country needs a Prime Minister from South India. Adding to the chorus, TVK's Kavundampalayam MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh stated on Wednesday that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would help Mr. Vijay become Prime Minister in 2029.
These statements have drawn sharp reactions from Congress leaders, including Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore and Tourism Minister S. Rajeshkumar. The sustained nature of the "Vijay is the next PM" narrative from the TVK's media ecosystem has further muddied the political waters.
A first-time Congress MP expressed concern that TVK cadres continue to behave like "fans," viewing Mr. Vijay more as an actor than a politician. "Just as Mr. Vijay did several roles in movies, they want him to don many roles as a politician. They have seen him as Chief Minister…and now they want to see him as Prime Minister. It is not healthy," the MP said, adding that the Congress would "200%" quit the alliance if TVK does not project Rahul Gandhi as its Prime Ministerial candidate.
However, another Congress MP close to Rahul Gandhi downplayed the issue, calling it the prerogative of TVK cadres to want their leader as Prime Minister. "We, in the Congress party, are not taking it too seriously," this MP said.
Anand Srinivasan, chairman of the Tamil Nadu PCC Media and Communication Department, urged patience, noting that a week is a long time in politics. "There is still 152 weeks left for the election. We can talk about it in the 150th week," he said, adding that the DMK and BJP are working together to break the TVK-Congress-VCK alliance.