A fresh political debate has erupted around Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) after sections of the party began promoting actor-turned politician Vijay as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate. The campaign has reportedly created unease among alliance partners, with posters supporting “Vijay for PM” appearing in Tamil Nadu. TVK leaders Aadhav Arjuna and Sarathkumar have also publicly spoken in favour of a larger national role for Vijay. Responding to the growing speculation, MDMK chief Vaiko, whose party is part of the alliance, urged ministers and leaders to avoid making statements that could complicate the coalition.

He said public representatives should not simply express every personal opinion while being part of an alliance. Vaiko also argued that the Congress, as the national head of the INDIA bloc, would project Rahul Gandhi as its Prime Ministerial candidate. He said he did not believe Vijay himself was currently considering such an ambition. The issue has become more sensitive after Congress Tourism Minister Rajeshkumar said the party’s two ministers would not remain in the Vijay led government if TVK refused to support Rahul Gandhi for the Prime Minister’s post in 2029. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram had earlier dismissed the “Vijay for PM” pitch as reflecting a “fan club mindset.”

Vijay, meanwhile, has not publicly commented on the growing debate over a possible national political role. His silence has left questions about whether the campaign represents an official TVK strategy or simply reflects the ambitions of some leaders within the party. The controversy could test the stability of the ruling alliance, particularly as TVK does not hold a majority on its own in the 234 member Tamil Nadu Assembly. Congress and other allies play an important role in keeping the government in power. For now, Vaiko’s remarks have added another layer to the political conversation, highlighting the growing divide between TVK’s emerging national ambitions and its alliance partners’ existing plans for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections