CHENNAI, Sept 5: Tamil Nadu Minister P Viswanathan on Friday said Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi would be the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 general elections, asserting that there was no uncertainty within the party over the issue.
Speaking in Chennai, Viswanathan said the Congress was firmly committed to projecting Rahul Gandhi for the top constitutional post. His remarks came amid discussions within the ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu over the possible national ambitions of its key leaders.
“I do not want to comment on the question of Deputy Prime Ministerial candidate Vijay. We are sure that Rahul Gandhi will be the Prime Ministerial candidate. There is no room for other questions,” Viswanathan said.
The minister also expressed confidence in the Congress organisation in Tamil Nadu, describing the state unit as active and strong. He said party workers across the state were engaged in political activities and had already begun preparations for the next Lok Sabha elections.
Viswanathan said Congress workers from Kanyakumari to Tiruttani were working actively and claimed that the party had started its groundwork well ahead of the 2029 parliamentary polls.
He credited Tamil Nadu Congress president Manickam Tagore with preparing an organisational strategy for the party and said the state unit was moving ahead rapidly on the basis of those plans.
Addressing questions over the relationship between the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Congress, Viswanathan dismissed speculation about differences between the alliance partners.
“There is no problem between the TVK and Congress. It happens in all parties,” he said.
Viswanathan also acknowledged that other opposition parties could project their own leaders for the Prime Ministerial post in the next general election. He named Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar and Chandrababu Naidu as leaders who could potentially be put forward by their respective parties.
However, he maintained that Rahul Gandhi would be the Congress nominee for the Prime Ministerial race and described him as the secular opposition’s candidate for the 2029 elections.
Meanwhile, TVK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Sengottaiyan reiterated the party’s position regarding its chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay.
Asked about the possibility of Vijay being projected as a Prime Ministerial candidate, Sengottaiyan said the party remained clear about its leadership and highlighted the public support received by the TVK.
He said Tamil Nadu had placed its faith in Vijay and pointed to the party’s achievements since its formation. Sengottaiyan also said the Chief Minister was taking steps to safeguard the interests of the people and implement schemes based on public expectations.
The statements by the two ministers come amid growing political discussions over the leadership choices and possible alliances ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.