Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ Remarks Not Linked to Alliances, Says TVK

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has described Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi's public endorsement of the film 'Jana Nayagan' as a "friendly gesture," while firmly rejecting any immediate implications for electoral alliances. The statement follows Gandhi's strong criticism of the Central government's attempt to block the movie's release through the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). TVK sources emphasized that Rahul Gandhi has maintained a supportive stance toward Vijay since the tragic Karur stampede incident on September 27, 2025, and his latest intervention opposing the Centre continues in the same spirit of goodwill.

Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X to condemn the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's actions, describing them as an "attack on Tamil culture" and asserting that Prime Minister Modi would not succeed in suppressing the voice of the Tamil people. The controversy surrounding 'Jana Nayagan'—regarded as Vijay's final film before his complete transition into full-time politics—intensified after the Madras High Court issued an interim stay on January 9, halting the CBFC's clearance process. The film's producer subsequently approached the Supreme Court to challenge the high court's order and secure the film's release.

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee clarified that Gandhi's remarks were directed solely at the "undemocratic methods" employed by the CBFC and the Modi-led government, which it labeled as fascist in its approach. Senior Congress leaders reiterated that the statement carried no political or electoral motive in the context of Tamil Nadu politics. They further affirmed that the Congress party's alliance in the state remains exclusively with the DMK, with no scope for any change or reconsideration ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi of Attacking Tamil Culture Over Vijay Film

TVK leaders, including joint general secretary C T R Nirmal Kumar, welcomed the gesture from Rahul Gandhi but cautioned against speculative interpretations regarding future political partnerships. They reiterated the party's longstanding ideological opposition to the BJP, describing it as an enemy on principle, and stressed that any decision on alliances rests solely with party chief Vijay. Kumar appealed for the film's unhindered release, noting widespread public, artistic, and technical support across Tamil Nadu and beyond for viewers to experience Vijay's last cinematic work without interference.

The Tamil Nadu BJP responded critically to the Congress position, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in the party's stance on freedom of expression. BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy pointed out that while Congress condemns the CBFC's legal actions against 'Jana Nayagan' as anti-democratic, the same party has previously demanded bans on other films such as 'Parasakthi.' He accused the Congress of compromising principles for political gain, underscoring the ongoing debate over censorship, cultural expression, and partisan motivations in the state's evolving political landscape.

Also Read: TNCC Chief Says Power-Sharing Decision With DMK Lies With INDIA Bloc Leadership