A fresh dispute has emerged between Congress and TVK over the prime ministerial face for the Lok Sabha elections. Tourism Minister and Congress leader S. Rajesh Kumar issued a warning over the 2029 general elections. He said Congress ministers would resign from the state cabinet if TVK refuses Rahul Gandhi. The demand came during George Robinson’s assumption ceremony as Kanyakumari West District Congress Committee president. Rajesh Kumar urged TVK to clarify its position on the prime ministerial candidate. He also stressed that Congress will back only Rahul Gandhi during the Lok Sabha elections.
TVK Leaders Want Vijay As Prime Ministerial Face
Meanwhile, ministers, legislators and members of C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam have backed Vijay. They want the actor-turned-politician to become the prime ministerial candidate during the next Lok Sabha election. Rajesh Kumar said he and fellow minister P. Viswanathan could resign over this disagreement. Viswanathan currently serves as the Higher Education Minister. Therefore, Rajesh Kumar’s statement could create fresh strain between Congress and TVK.
Vijay Posters Fuel The Political Debate
Public posters across Tamil Nadu have also projected Vijay as a potential prime ministerial contender. Furthermore, an India Today-CVoter survey recently placed Vijay third among possible candidates. He received nine percent support in that survey. The development adds another layer to the growing debate over the opposition alliance’s potential face.
Congress Helped Vijay Form The Government
In May, Vijay formed the government with Congress support. Congress also joined the state cabinet after announcing its backing. However, that decision reportedly increased the DMK’s anger and triggered accusations of betrayal. Congress and DMK had contested the election together before the latest political shift. Yet, the DMK suffered a major defeat amid Vijay’s political rise. Subsequently, Congress announced its support for Vijay.
