Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has voiced strong support for actor-politician Vijay after his film 'Jana Nayagan' faced a delay in censor certification. This move has sparked widespread discussion about a potential political realignment in Tamil Nadu as elections approach.
Film Release Hits Last-Minute Hurdle
'Jana Nayagan' was scheduled for a Pongal release on January 9. The film is widely promoted as Vijay's final movie before he fully enters politics. However, the Central Board of Film Certification did not issue the required certification in time, creating last-minute obstacles.
Rahul Gandhi quickly rallied behind Vijay, criticizing the central government. He accused the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of attempting to block the film, calling it an attack on Tamil culture. The Congress leader also directly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating firmly that he would never succeed in suppressing the voice of the Tamil people.
TVK Welcomes Support as Friendly Gesture
Vijay's political party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, promptly acknowledged Rahul Gandhi's backing. They described it as a friendly gesture, though the timing has raised eyebrows across political circles.
The Tamil Nadu Congress unit has denied any political motive behind Rahul's statement. However, this development comes at a sensitive moment in state politics. The Congress party's relationship with its long-time ally, the DMK, has grown tense recently over power-sharing demands.
Congress Seeks Greater Role in Tamil Nadu
While the DMK and Congress have been electoral partners for many years, the national party has not been part of the DMK-led state government. Congress now wants this arrangement to change. Congress MP Manickam Tagore recently emphasized that discussions should move beyond mere seat-sharing to include actual power-sharing.
This proposal received a swift rejection from the DMK. Senior DMK leader and state minister I Periyasamy clearly stated that there has never been a coalition government in Tamil Nadu and there will not be one. He affirmed that the DMK has always governed the state independently and the chief minister stands firm on this position.
Political Landscape Shifts with New Player
Tamil Nadu politics has traditionally revolved around two major rivals: the DMK and the AIADMK. The 2026 elections could break this pattern with the emergence of a third significant force. Actor-turned-politician Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, has entered the political arena with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
The TVK has made an impressive start, causing concern for both established regional parties. Vijay expresses confidence that his party will create history in the upcoming elections, similar to how the DMK first won in 1967 and the AIADMK triumphed a decade later in 1977.
Alliance Possibilities and Limitations
Vijay has repeatedly clarified that his party will not align with either the DMK or the BJP. He has stated that any future alliance would be led by TVK and would oppose both these parties. This position makes Rahul Gandhi's support particularly interesting.
Speculation about a Congress-TVK partnership gained momentum when TVK's national spokesperson Felix Gerald described the Congress as a natural ally. He highlighted shared values of secularism and opposition to communalism, noting that Rahul Gandhi and Vijay are friends.
Adding to this speculation, senior Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty recently met with TVK leader Vijay. Chakravarty heads the party's Data Analytics Unit, making his engagement particularly noteworthy.
Strategic Calculations Ahead of Elections
The central question remains whether Congress is seriously considering a third front in Tamil Nadu under Vijay's leadership. Alternatively, the party might be using the TVK connection to negotiate better terms with the DMK, seeking more seats and a power-sharing arrangement.
Political observers suggest we might gain clearer insights after Rahul Gandhi's scheduled meetings with senior Tamil Nadu Congress leaders in Delhi on January 18 and 19. These discussions could reveal the party's strategic direction for the upcoming state elections.
The evolving dynamics present Congress with a crucial decision: continue with the existing arrangement that has persisted for years or explore a new political path with different allies. As Tamil Nadu prepares for another electoral battle, all eyes remain on how these relationships will develop in the coming months.
