Chennai, August 30: The campaign to present Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay as a candidate for Prime Minister has sparked signs of discord between the ruling party, Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), and its ally, Congress. Reports indicate that Congress leadership is concerned about posters and videos promoting Vijay for the country’s highest office.
It is believed that this campaign was initiated by a faction of TVK supporters to influence party leadership. However, Congress leaders fear that it may create confusion regarding the coalition’s national political stance.
The debate began when TVK legislators and ministers repeatedly praised Vijay in the assembly. This admiration spilled over into public spaces, where posters depicting him as a prime ministerial contender began to appear.
Promotional videos have also surfaced in Northern India, where Congress positions itself as the main opposition to the BJP. Attention to this campaign increased following a survey by a television channel, which placed Vijay third among potential candidates for Prime Minister, garnering 9% support, trailing behind Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
According to reports, this outcome has heightened unease within Congress. Party sources indicate that leaders are dissatisfied with the timing of promoting Vijay for the position, just months after the TVK-Congress alliance came to power in Tamil Nadu.
They referenced recent criticism from Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Manickam Tagore, who pointed out the ‘fan mentality’ displayed by ministers. This situation is sensitive for Congress, especially since it terminated its alliance with DMK, which had supported Rahul Gandhi as a prime ministerial candidate.
Congress MP Jothimani recently described the push for CM Vijay as an electoral strategy, emphasizing that Rahul Gandhi stands unmatched in facing and defeating Narendra Modi’s government.
When asked about the controversy that arose in Madurai on Saturday, State Minister Nirmal Kumar stated that people across India have high hopes for Vijay. He asserted that CM Vijay would make decisions based on political circumstances and stressed that there is no need for further discussion on the matter.
Reports suggest that Congress leaders wanted to present Rahul Gandhi as the national face of the coalition while leveraging CM Vijay’s popularity to enhance the alliance’s prospects in South India. However, the race to promote Vijay complicates this strategy, raising questions about the coalition’s future messaging, leadership priorities, and political unity.
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