Tamil Nadu Congress MP Jothimani has clarified that actor-politician Vijay’s recent interactions with Congress leaders should not be interpreted as signs of a political alliance. She said Vijay is “not new” to the Congress, recalling that he had even met Rahul Gandhi in 2010 to explore the possibility of joining the party, although it ultimately did not move forward. Her comments come at a time when speculation about Congress–TVK ties has increased, especially after Congress leaders met Vijay following the Karur tragedy.
Jothimani stressed that such meetings, especially during moments of grief or crisis, are normal and cannot be construed as the basis for electoral partnerships. She firmly reiterated that the Congress remains committed to its long-standing alliance with the DMK, adding that the party’s position has not changed.
She also cautioned against drawing conclusions from social media buzz, noting that political parties do not make decisions based on online speculation and that “there is still time for elections.”
In recent weeks, reports suggested that the Tamil Nadu Congress leadership was warming up to Vijay’s party, the TVK, with some state leaders even recommending to the high command that Vijay’s influence in Kerala and Puducherry could be politically useful. This growing proximity raised eyebrows within the DMK-led alliance, particularly after Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin hinted at unease by invoking the Congress’s “hand leaving” remark during a public event.
Jothimani’s latest clarification is aimed at signalling that Congress remains firmly aligned with the DMK, even as political equations continue to evolve ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
