The rise of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is increasingly being viewed as a potential challenge to the Congress’ political space in Tamil Nadu, with a recent C-Voter survey placing him ahead of several established opposition leaders on questions of national leadership, as reported by Junior Vikatan.
A cover story published by Junior Vikatan on August 30, titled “Congress Out? Is Desiya Vettri Kazhagam Emerging?”, examined the possibility of TVK emerging as a larger political force and its implications for the Congress.
According to the C-Voter survey cited in the report, 48.7% of respondents identified Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the most suitable person for the post of Prime Minister, followed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at 27.1% and Vijay at 9.2%.
The survey was conducted across India, rather than only in Tamil Nadu. According to C-Voter, responses were collected from 25,184 people between July 1 and August 25, while the findings were also based on interviews with 91,795 people conducted across the country over the preceding six months.
The survey also asked respondents who would be best suited to lead and steer an opposition alliance. Rahul Gandhi was preferred by 29% of respondents, while Vijay followed with 12.2%.
Notably, the report claimed that Vijay received support beyond Tamil Nadu, with 14.3% of respondents across Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka reportedly backing him for the role.
The findings have triggered speculation over the possible political consequences for the Congress, particularly if TVK chooses to distance itself from the Congress in future.
The Junior Vikatan report argues that the Congress could be the bigger political casualty of Vijay’s growing influence, rather than the BJP or the DMK.
Political analysts quoted in the report said that if the TVK were to move away from the Congress, the latter could once again be forced to seek an alliance with the DMK.
“Will Congress knock on Anna Arivalayam’s doors again?” is the question being raised in the report, referring to the DMK headquarters in Chennai.
The report further argues that with the 2029 Lok Sabha election approaching, the DMK could have an interest in retaining the Congress as an alliance partner, particularly if it requires a Prime Ministerial face for a broader opposition coalition.
“If TVK drops Congress, Congress may have to knock on the doors of Anna Arivalayam again. Since this is a Lok Sabha election, the DMK will need a Prime Ministerial face. So, will they start saying, ‘Let bygones be bygones and forgive each other’?” political analysts were quoted as saying.
The argument reflects the emerging uncertainty around the opposition alliance in Tamil Nadu, with Vijay’s growing political profile potentially altering the balance between the DMK, Congress and TVK.
The central question is whether Vijay’s rise will eventually push the Congress back towards the DMK and whether the two parties could set aside their differences to preserve their electoral alliance.
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