Congress calls TVK's 'Vijay for PM' pitch a diversion tactic, BJP attacks alliance

Congress leader Manickam Tagore rejected suggestions that Vijay could be projected for the prime minister's post by Congress. The exchange has sharpened scrutiny of the emerging Congress-TVK equation ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election.Congress dismisses TVK’s 'Vijay for PM' pitch as diversion tactic in Tamil Nadu (File Photo: ITG)Congress MP Manickam Tagore has dismissed the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) pitch projecting actor-turned-politician Vijay as a future prime ministerial candidate, calling it a “diversion tactic” by a few people. Reacting to TVK MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh’s claim that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would eventually make Vijay sit in the prime minister’s chair, Tagore said he could not respond to any such statement.“I can’t respond to every random astrologer’s claim,” Tagore said, while reiterating the Congress’ support for efforts aimed at building a corruption-free Tamil Nadu.Tagore said Vijay was trying to establish a “new system” in Tamil Nadu and alleged that those facing corruption charges or fearing scrutiny were attempting to create distractions by spreading stories. “We consider it our duty to lend our support to his efforts,” he said.“As far as he is concerned, while he is working to establish a new system to build a corruption-free Tamil Nadu, those who are corrupt, those with skeletons in their closet, and those gripped by fear thinking, ‘Oh no, they will catch us, they will catch us,’ have all banded together to cook up stories,” Tagore said. The Congress MP’s remarks come amid growing political speculation over the relationship between the Congress and TVK ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election.BJP TAKES AIM AT TVK-CONGRESSTamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran also targeted the emerging political equation, questioning the lack of clarity over the leadership claims being made by the two parties. “Vijay as CM, Rahul Gandhi as PM?” Nagendran asked while reacting to voices within TVK backing Vijay for the prime minister’s post. “The leader of that alliance party, the Congress party leader, he says Rahul Gandhi is the Prime Minister. However, these people (TVK) are saying Vijay is the Chief Minister,” he said.Nagendran said the question of whether a person was qualified to become chief minister was secondary, arguing that differences over leadership within an alliance raised questions about how it would function in government.“Whether someone is qualified or not to hold the post of Chief Minister is a secondary matter. But when they lack unity even within this, what are they going to do for the people of Tamil Nadu?” he said.The BJP leader also took a swipe at the state government, referring to an ongoing political controversy in which a minister had threatened to resign.“One minister says, ‘I will resign from my post.’ This is the state of affairs under which this government is currently functioning,” Nagendran said.He added that the live telecast of Assembly proceedings meant people were able to watch the developments for themselves, warning that the political consequences could be significant.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 23:35 IST