Vijay as PM face triggers INDIA bloc rift, allies threaten to pull down Tamil Nadu govt

Chennai (The Uttam Hindu): C. Joseph Vijay, who became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after contesting elections for the first time, has now come to the center of national politics. Ministers and leaders of his party, Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), directly declared him a contender for the post of the next Prime Minister of the country, causing a political storm from the state to Delhi. TVK's ally, Congress, and other constituent parties have strongly objected to this statement. Amidst this tussle, TVK has called an important meeting of alliance partners on September 9th, where, along with finalizing the official alliance name, a heated debate is also likely to take place over the PM face.

TVK ministers project Vijay as next PM, citing North India

The entire controversy was sparked by statements made by TVK's own leaders and ministers. State minister M. Sarathkumar openly declared that Vijay works tirelessly and is the country's next Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Milk and Dairy Development Minister C. Vijayalakshmi claimed that the people of North India also want a Chief Minister like Vijay. She said that the growing craze for Vijay among the youth has forced many older leaders to retire from politics. According to state Health Minister K.G. Arunraj, the alliance will be given a formal identity and a common name at the September 9th meeting to maintain unity among the allies.

Coalition partners open front, Congress threatens to resign

These claims by TVK leaders have deeply unnerved coalition partners, particularly the Congress. Congress MLA and Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar has bluntly warned that if TVK continues to insist on projecting Vijay as the PM face instead of Rahul Gandhi in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, both Congress ministers will immediately resign from the cabinet. Meanwhile, CPM General Secretary M.A. Baby clarified that the face-off will be discussed only after the elections, and that Rahul Gandhi, as the leader of the opposition, has the strongest claim. Vaiko's party, the MDMK, which is supporting the Vijay government from outside, also rebuked them, saying that only Rahul Gandhi can lead the "India" coalition and that TVK ministers should adhere to the limits of coalition dharma.

The government hangs on a slender thread of majority; if even one party sulks, the government will be in danger

This ambition for the post of PM could have a direct impact on the stability of the Tamil Nadu government. A majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly requires 118 MLAs, while Chief Minister Vijay's party, TVK, alone holds 107 seats. The government has the support of five Congress MLAs, plus two MLAs each from the CPI, CPM, VCK, and Muslim League. In such a situation, if the Congress or any other ally withdraws support over the PM candidacy dispute, the Vijay government could be in a minority and face a major political crisis. The main opposition party, the DMK, is also taking a dig at this issue, calling TVK's claims far from ground reality.