Vijay for PM? Congress’ Karti Chidambaram Says ‘Political Reality’ Needs 272 MPs

Amid the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) growing “Vijay for Prime Minister” campaign, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said political ambitions were legitimate but must be viewed against the realities of parliamentary numbers.

Responding to statements by Tamil Nadu ministers K A Sengottaiyan and K Jagadeeswari that TVK chief Vijay would eventually become Prime Minister, the Sivaganga MP said a party or alliance would need the backing of 272 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha to form the government.

“They may venerate their own leader and have their own ambitions, fantasies and dreams. That is entirely up to them. But to become Prime Minister of India, one needs the support of 272 MPs,” Karti said.

He added that every political party was entitled to its aspirations, but stressed that Congress was “aware of the political reality.” According to him, any political formation commanding the support of 272 MPs would be in a position to have its leader become Prime Minister.

The remarks come amid increasingly vocal support within TVK for Vijay’s national ambitions. TVK legislator Kallanai, speaking at an event marking the party’s 100 days in office, said people had strong faith in Vijay’s leadership and expressed confidence that he would one day lead the country and hoist the national flag at the Red Fort.

Congress leaders, however, have pushed back against such claims. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief Manickam Tagore accused state ministers of operating in a “fan club mode” and reminded them that TVK had relied on Congress support.

Congress MP P Jothimani also said the Congress and INDIA bloc would not accept anyone other than Rahul Gandhi as their Prime Ministerial candidate, urging TVK leaders to concentrate on governance in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Public Works and Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna has backed Vijay’s claim to the Prime Minister’s post, highlighting the growing political debate over TVK’s national ambitions.