The growing “Vijay for Prime Minister” chorus within Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, or TVK, has triggered unease among its allies, with Congress Tourism Minister Rajeshkumar making it clear that the party’s two ministers in the Vijay cabinet cannot continue if the alliance does not back Rahul Gandhi for Prime Minister in 2029.
Congress leaders had so far largely brushed aside such statements. The government was able to come to power with the support of allies, including Congress, which has five MLAs. Two Congress MLAs have been inducted into the cabinet. The VCK and IUML, with two MLAs each, have one minister apiece, while the CPI and CPM, with two MLAs each, are supporting the government from outside. Vaiko has argued that Congress, as the head of the INDIA bloc at the national level, can only project Rahul Gandhi as its Prime Ministerial candidate. “Congress heads the INDIA bloc at the national level. So only Rahul Gandhi can be fielded as Prime Ministerial candidate. “Ministers should not speak whatever they think while being part of an alliance.
Earlier reporting noted: Speaking at an event on Saturday, Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister S Rajesh Kumar stated that both Congress ministers will resign if TVK fails to back Gandhi in the 2029 general elections.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram had earlier described the pitch as a “fan club mindset”. He also said he does not believe Vijay has any such ambition and urged the Chief Minister to rein in his ministers. There is no possibility for any other alternative,” Vaiko said. The Chief Minister should ask them not to speak on this,” Vaiko said.
Earlier reporting noted: ‘Back Rahul Gandhi or…’: Congress minister’s big warning after TVK’s PM push for Vijay Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu have threatened to resign from the state cabinet if chief minister Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam does not accept Rahul Gandhi as the next candidate for prime minister. Earlier reporting noted: Kumar added that the party would not compromise on its stand, asserting that Rahul Gandhi is the only candidate the Congress party would support in the Lok Sabha elections.
“I am clear. His remarks come amid renewed demands from sections of TVK for Chief Minister Vijay to be projected as a Prime Ministerial candidate. In 2029, our leader Rahul Gandhi will become the next Prime Minister.
If by any chance TVK doesn’t agree, the two ministers of Congress will not continue in our positions,” Rajeshkumar said. TVK leaders Aadhav Arjuna and Sarathkumar have openly pitched Vijay for the top post, while posters backing “Vijay for PM” have now surfaced in Tuticorin, adding a fresh trigger to the growing friction.
