Vijay for PM in 2029? Congress Calls It ‘Fan Mindset’, Reaffirms Rahul Gandhi

The Congress on Wednesday dismissed calls from ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) legislators to project Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, describing the campaign as an expression of enthusiasm among newer party members.

The remarks came after TVK MLA Kanimozhi asserted that Vijay would be the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate in 2029 and claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would support his elevation to the top post.

“Delhi will not decide who becomes PM. Tamil Nadu will decide,” the Kavundapallayam MLA said, predicting that Vijay would bring about a major change in national politics. She also claimed that Gandhi’s support had helped Vijay become Chief Minister and that a similar situation could emerge at the national level in 2029.

Congress Legislature Party leader Tharahai Cuthbert rejected the claim, saying there was no confusion within the Congress or the broader alliance over its preferred Prime Ministerial candidate.

“CM Vijay himself has been very clear that Rahul Gandhi is the Prime Minister candidate,” Cuthbert said, referring to earlier statements attributed to the Chief Minister. She described the pro-Vijay remarks as a “fan mindset” among newer legislators and said individual projections did not represent the alliance’s agreed leadership strategy.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president B Manickam Tagore also criticised the campaign, calling it a “diversionary tactic” and saying there was no need to react to every prediction. However, TVK MLA I Thahira maintained that Vijay will become Prime Minister, saying the final decision rests with the people.

Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar played down the differences, saying there was no discord between TVK and Congress and that the issue need not be debated three years before the Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, MDMK chief Vaiko urged TVK ministers to avoid making such statements, asserting that Rahul Gandhi remains the only choice for the INDIA bloc.

Neither Vijay nor the TVK headquarters has formally commented on the issue.