Vijay–Rahul PM Debate Sparks Fresh Buzz in Tamil Nadu

Differences within the ruling alliance of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and Congress in Tamil Nadu have again come into focus over the question of the prime ministerial candidate. Amid growing calls from sections of TVK to project Chief Minister Vijay as the 2029 PM face, Tamil Nadu Congress Legislature Party leader Tharahai Cuthbert said Vijay has chosen Rahul Gandhi as the alliance’s prime ministerial candidate. She clarified that talk of Vijay’s candidature was driven by cadre enthusiasm and did not represent the official position of the party leadership.

Cuthbert also stressed that Congress is an independent democratic party and does not function under TVK’s influence. She explained that the recent change in her seating position in the Tamil Nadu Assembly was procedural and followed her appointment as Congress Legislature Party leader. Her shift from the section where TVK MLAs were seated to the front row of the Opposition benches had triggered speculation about tensions within the alliance, but she denied any political motive behind the change.

The issue has gained further traction after Congress minister S. Rajesh Kumar reportedly said that he and another Congress minister, P. Vishwanathan, would resign from the TVK-led cabinet if the alliance does not support Rahul Gandhi as its 2029 PM candidate. Congress leaders have also highlighted the rapport between Vijay and Rahul Gandhi. With sections of TVK pushing Vijay’s name while Congress backs Rahul, the question could become an important issue in the alliance’s future political strategy.