Congress leaders are reportedly uncomfortable with posters and social media videos portraying Vijay as a contender for the country’s top political office. While the campaign is believed to have been initiated by a section of TVK supporters seeking to showcase their leader’s national appeal, Congress functionaries fear it could create confusion over the alliance’s broader political positioning.
The issue gained prominence after TVK legislators and Ministers repeatedly praised Vijay in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Posters projecting him as a prime ministerial candidate subsequently appeared at various public locations, while promotional reels also circulated in northern India, where Congress seeks to position itself as the principal Opposition force against the BJP.
The campaign received further attention after a television channel survey placed Vijay third among potential prime ministerial choices, with nine per cent support, behind Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Congress sources said the timing had caused concern, particularly as the TVK-Congress coalition assumed office in Tamil Nadu only months ago.
The issue has also emerged against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore’s recent criticism of Ministers for what he described as a “fan mentality”.
Congress MP Jothimani recently described Vijay’s projection as an election strategy but maintained that Rahul Gandhi remained unmatched in confronting and defeating the Narendra Modi-led government.
The development is particularly significant for Congress after it ended its alliance with the DMK and joined hands with TVK. The DMK had backed Rahul Gandhi as its preferred choice for Prime Minister.
Asked about the issue in Madurai on Saturday, State Minister Nirmal Kumar said people across India had aspirations for Vijay. He added that the Chief Minister would take decisions according to the prevailing political situation and said there was no need to discuss the matter at present.
Congress leaders had reportedly planned to project Rahul Gandhi as the alliance’s national face while leveraging Vijay’s popularity to strengthen the coalition’s electoral prospects across southern India.
However, the parallel campaign portraying Vijay as a potential Prime Minister has complicated that strategy, raising questions over the alliance’s future messaging, leadership priorities and political cohesion.
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