The “Vijay for PM 2029” campaign has become a major talking point in Tamil Nadu politics after the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey placed Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay third among respondents’ preferred choices for prime minister.
The survey showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading with 48.7 percent support, followed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at 27.1 percent and Vijay at 9.2 percent. The result has given fresh momentum to TVK supporters who say Vijay’s appeal is expanding beyond Tamil Nadu.
Posters backing Vijay for prime minister have appeared in places including Thoothukudi, while supporters have discussed a possible national role for the actor-turned-politician ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha election. Vijay, however, has not formally announced a prime ministerial bid.
Vijay Survey Result Fuels 2029 Speculation
Vijay’s 9.2 percent showing has become the main reason for the growing debate. Finishing behind only Modi and Rahul Gandhi has allowed TVK supporters to present the survey as evidence of his rising national visibility.
For TVK, the result could improve its bargaining position ahead of 2029. But turning poll popularity into a serious national campaign would require wider organization, alliances across states and a clear decision from Vijay.
Congress Reasserts Rahul Gandhi as PM Face
The Vijay-for-PM campaign has created pressure within the ruling alliance. Congress leaders continue to back Rahul Gandhi as their preferred prime ministerial candidate for 2029.
Tamil Nadu minister and Congress leader S. Rajesh Kumar warned that Congress ministers could leave the Vijay-led government if TVK refused to support Gandhi as the alliance’s PM face.
Other Congress leaders have tried to cool the dispute. Tamil Nadu Congress Legislature Party leader Tharahai Cuthbert said Vijay continued to back Rahul Gandhi as the INDIA bloc’s prime ministerial choice and rejected suggestions of a serious break between the parties.
DMK Targets TVK-Congress Alliance
The opposition DMK has used the controversy to question whether TVK and Congress can remain allies while their supporters promote different national leadership options.
DMK leaders have mocked the Vijay-for-PM campaign and argued that Congress must explain how it can remain in a TVK-led government while Rahul Gandhi remains its preferred choice for prime minister.
The issue gives the DMK an opportunity to highlight possible contradictions inside the ruling coalition before the 2029 campaign begins.
Vijay’s 2029 Role Remains Unclear
The survey has increased Vijay’s national visibility, but a 9.2 percent preference rating does not make him an official prime ministerial candidate.
A serious national bid would require TVK to expand beyond Tamil Nadu, build alliances in other states and define its position within the opposition space.
For now, the “Vijay for PM 2029” campaign is driven mainly by supporters, posters and political statements. Until Vijay or TVK formally announces a national leadership plan, the narrative remains political speculation rather than a confirmed election strategy.
