‘Back Rahul Gandhi or…’: Congress minister’s big warning after TVK’s PM push for Vijay

Congress ministers from Tamil Nadu have issued an ultimatum to Chief Minister Vijay S Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader, warning of resignations from the state cabinet if he does not endorse Rahul Gandhi as their candidate for prime minister in the 2029 general elections. Speaking at a recent event, Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister S Rajesh Kumar declared that both Congress ministers would resign if TVK fails to back Gandhi.

Kumar emphasized that the party would not compromise on this stance, asserting that Rahul Gandhi is the sole candidate the Congress party is prepared to support in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

These statements come as TVK continues to advocate for Vijay as the next prime ministerial candidate. Following the recent assembly elections, Congress joined forces with TVK to form the ruling government in Tamil Nadu. TVK, led by Vijay, secured 108 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and subsequently formed the state government with the backing of the VCK, IUML, Congress, CPI, and CPI(M).

Over the past few weeks, TVK has been actively promoting Vijay as the ideal candidate to lead not only Tamil Nadu but also the entire nation, according to senior TVK leader KA Sengottaiyan. Sengottaiyan highlighted Vijay's widespread appeal, noting that people from northern Indian states are also looking forward to his leadership.

Sengottaiyan recounted his experiences traveling with MGR and Jayalalithaa, emphasizing Vijay as the force that will not only rule Tamil Nadu but also shape the future of India, following in the footsteps of these two influential leaders.

However, TVK's push for Vijay has faced a significant backlash from Congress leaders in the state. Tamil Nadu Congress president and MP B Manickam Tagore criticized TVK leaders for still operating in a "fan-club mode," stating that they should not attempt to silence those who support Vijay in this manner.