Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay (Img: X)
Chennai: Tamil actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s growing national ambition has triggered a political debate in Tamil Nadu after supporters began pushing the “Vijay for PM in 2029” narrative.
The buzz intensified after the latest India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey placed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay among the top choices for Prime Minister, ranking him behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Following the survey, TVK supporters amplified the campaign, with posters backing Vijay’s possible prime ministerial bid appearing in parts of Tamil Nadu.
However, the move has drawn sharp reactions from the ruling DMK and Congress, who questioned the credibility of the projection and dismissed the idea as premature.
DMK leader RS Bharathi mocked the growing speculation around Vijay’s national role, saying there was no limit to political imagination.
"If party members speak, they will even say that he is going to become the head of the United Nations. Imagination, imagination, there is no limit to their imagination," Bharathi said.
The DMK leader suggested that projecting Vijay as a prime ministerial candidate was unrealistic and asked supporters to continue dreaming if they wished.
Congress leader Manickam Tagore also reacted to the survey indirectly, questioning whether every survey truly reflects public opinion.
"Not every number tells the truth. Not every survey is the voice of the people," Tagore said.
He also questioned the political implications of the “Vijay for PM” campaign while Congress continues to project Rahul Gandhi as its prime ministerial face.
"The moment someone says that he will become the Prime Minister, they have already decided that it will not be Rahul Gandhi, haven’t they?" Tagore said.
The “Vijay for PM in 2029” narrative gained momentum after TVK celebrated Vijay completing 100 days in office following his political breakthrough in Tamil Nadu.
Party supporters have argued that Vijay’s popularity among youth and his ability to challenge traditional Dravidian politics could help him emerge as a national leader.
Posters supporting Vijay’s prime ministerial ambitions were also reportedly seen in parts of Tamil Nadu, including Thoothukudi.
Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars, entered politics with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and quickly became a major political force in Tamil Nadu.
His rise has challenged the dominance of established Dravidian parties and created a new political space among young voters.
While his supporters see him as a future national leader, political observers believe the 2029 Lok Sabha election will depend on TVK’s organisational strength, alliances and performance in Tamil Nadu politics.
With the next Lok Sabha election still years away, the Vijay-for-PM campaign has opened a fresh political debate in Tamil Nadu.
The confrontation between TVK, DMK and Congress indicates that Vijay’s political influence is already becoming a key factor ahead of future electoral battles.
Whether Vijay’s national ambition becomes a reality or remains a political slogan will depend on how successfully he converts his popularity into electoral strength.
