Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Vaiko Backs Rahul Gandhi as INDIA Bloc’s 2029 PM Pick
Vaiko is a senior Tamil Nadu politician who supports Rahul Gandhi for prime minister in the 2029 election.
He said the INDIA bloc should not choose C. Joseph Vijay instead.
Some TVK leaders have been suggesting that Vijay could become the alliance’s candidate.
Two Congress ministers said they might leave the TVK government if Rahul Gandhi is not accepted.
Vaiko asked Vijay to stop his ministers and party workers from making such suggestions.
At the same time, Vaiko praised Vijay’s government for its first 100 days.
He gave it a score of 80 out of 100.
He also supported showing Assembly meetings live on television.
Finally, he asked that M.K. Stalin’s Z+ security protection be restored.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko called Rahul Gandhi the definitive prime ministerial choice of the INDIA bloc for 2029.
Vaiko rejected the possibility of TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay being projected for the post.
Congress ministers Rajesh Kumar and Viswanathan said they would resign if Rahul Gandhi was not accepted as the alliance’s candidate.
Vaiko gave the Vijay government 80% for its first 100 days and praised its anti-corruption efforts.
Vaiko welcomed live Assembly proceedings and urged restoration of M.K. Stalin’s downgraded Z+ security cover.
- Who
- MDMK general secretary Vaiko, Rahul Gandhi, TVK chief and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, and Congress ministers Rajesh Kumar and Viswanathan.
- What
- Vaiko backed Rahul Gandhi as the INDIA bloc’s 2029 prime ministerial candidate and opposed projecting Vijay for the role.
- When
- Vaiko made the statement on Monday; related ministerial remarks were made on Sunday.
- Where
- Vaiko spoke in Tirunelveli; the related statements were made near Marthandam in Kanyakumari district and in Tiruchy.
- Why
- Vaiko said Rahul Gandhi was the alliance’s definitive choice and urged Vijay to prevent statements promoting himself as a candidate.
Rahul Gandhi as alliance choice
Vijay as possible future candidate
2029 prime ministerial nomination
Rahul Gandhi as alliance choice
Vaiko said Rahul Gandhi was the INDIA bloc’s definitive choice, and Congress ministers Rajesh Kumar and Viswanathan said they could resign if he was not accepted.
Vijay as possible future candidate
TVK functionaries and ministers have reportedly sought to project C. Joseph Vijay as a possible prime ministerial candidate for 2029.
Role of Vijay’s party
Rahul Gandhi as alliance choice
Vaiko urged Vijay to advise his ministers and party functionaries not to make statements promoting him for the prime minister’s post.
Vijay as possible future candidate
The reported efforts by TVK figures to promote Vijay indicate support within parts of the party for considering him as a future candidate.
- Alliance
- INDIA bloc
- Proposed 2029 candidate
- Rahul Gandhi, according to Vaiko
- Alternative discussed
- C. Joseph Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam and Chief Minister
- Ministerial warning
- Rajesh Kumar and Viswanathan said they were ready to resign if Rahul Gandhi was not accepted
- Government assessment
- Vaiko gave the Vijay government 80% for its first 100 days
- Assembly reform
- Vaiko welcomed the live telecast of Assembly proceedings
- Security demand
- Vaiko sought restoration of M.K. Stalin’s Z+ security cover