Congress MP cautions against overestimating TVK chief's prime ministerial prospects
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram reminded listeners that any party needs the support of at least 272 MPs to form a government, dismissing talk of Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay becoming prime minister.
During a parliamentary session, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram downplayed rumors that TVK supporters are positioning Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay for a future prime ministerial role, stressing that a party must command the backing of at least 272 members of parliament to form a government. He described the TVK as a political outfit built around a prominent film star, capable of dreaming but constrained by parliamentary arithmetic.
In a separate comment, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore accused some state ministers of functioning in a "fan club mode," suggesting such attitudes are hard to change. Tagore made these remarks at Coimbatore Airport after responding to a statement by Vetri Kazhagam minister Jagadeeswari that today's chief minister could become tomorrow's prime minister. Vijay recently participated in the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Chengalpet, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and holds the council's vice-chairmanship.
Why it matters
It clarifies the realistic parliamentary hurdles any regional leader faces before aspiring to become India's prime minister.
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