Congress vs TVK in Tamil Nadu Assembly? ‘Vijay as PM’ pitch sparks rift buzz, seat-change adds fuel

Tensions between the Congress and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led Tamil Vaikundar Kamaraj (TVK) have been a focal point in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The rift allegedly began with Vijay's campaign to be considered for the position of Prime Minister. The Congress, which is part of the ruling TVK government with five MLAs, is now facing scrutiny due to statements made by leaders of Vijay's party.

These leaders project Vijay as a potential contender for the prime minister's post. On Monday, Congress Legislature Party leader and MLA Tharahai Cuthbert was moved to the front row of the Opposition benches, sparking speculation of differences between the Congress and the ruling TVK. This change in seating occurred the day after Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister S Rajesh Kumar stated that Congress ministers in the state Cabinet would resign if TVK did not back Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

TVK leaders have recently been promoting Vijay as a potential Prime Minister candidate, with PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna even stating that the country's top constitutional office should be held by a leader from Tamil Nadu. This issue gained more attention after a private media survey ranked Vijay as the third preference for the position of Prime Minister in 2029, behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

Critics, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson CR Kesavan, have questioned why Congress stays in the TVK government if its leaders oppose the ruling party's stance.