In a rare and politically significant show of unity, senior Congress leaders have come out strongly in support of actor Vijay amid the ongoing controversy over the delayed censor certification of his upcoming film Jana Nayagan.
The coordinated backing from multiple Congress voices has not only intensified the political dimension of the issue but has also revived speculation about a possible future alliance between the Congress and Vijayās political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Girish Chodankar, AICC member in charge of Congress party affairs in Tamil Nadu, sharply criticised the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of using the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as a political weapon.
Drawing parallels with central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI, Chodankar alleged that the censor board was being misused to intimidate opposition voices and suppress dissent through indirect means.
Echoing similar concerns, Congress MP B. Manickam Tagore alleged that political and ideological motives were behind the hurdles faced by Jana Nayagan, a film that reportedly deals with socially and politically relevant themes.
In a social media post, Tagore accused the BJP and RSS of misusing institutional authority, arguing that films lacking political impact often pass unnoticed, while Jana Nayagan was being subjected to excessive scrutiny.
He termed the delay a threat to cultural freedom and democratic expression, especially as the filmās proposed January 9 release hangs in uncertainty.
Congress leader Praveen Chakravarthy also weighed in, criticising the delay in certification and urging authorities to ensure a fair and transparent process.
Stressing the importance of artistic freedom, he appealed for a resolution that respects creative expression and audience expectations, as public interest in the film continues to grow.
Adding further weight to the chorus, Congress MP Jothimani launched a scathing attack on the CBFC, calling the denial of certification an assault on the Tamil film industry and freedom of expression.
Drawing from her experience as a former censor board member, she argued that the CBFC has become outdated in the digital era, where unregulated content freely circulates on television and social media. She accused the Modi government of turning the censor board into a political tool, alongside agencies like the ED and CBI, and called for strong resistance against such misuse.
The convergence of voices from across the Congress leadershipāstate, national, and parliamentaryāhas surprised political observers, particularly given the evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu.
The vocal support for Vijay has renewed rumours in political circles that the Congress may explore an alliance with TVK ahead of future electoral battles.
While no formal signals have been issued, the strong defence of Jana Nayagan and its creator has undeniably added a new layer to Tamil Naduās shifting political equations.