Newstrack: Chhath Puja, power politics dominate state of war Bihar before polls

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan criticised Rahul Gandhi's support for actor-politician Vijay regarding the release of his film 'Jananayakin'. Soundararajan labelled the Congress's stance as a 'political drama' intended to 'encash the situation' and 'pamper the fans' of the TVK chief. She argued that the Congress has historically been 'anti-Tamils', citing past opposition to Jallikattu and the delay of the film 'Kutta Charithram'. Addressing allegations of the BJP 'arm-twisting' Vijay through CBI inquiries and censor board hurdles, she dismissed these as 'speculations' and 'procedural deficits' on the part of the producers. Soundararajan asserted that the BJP is 'very strong' in its alliance and does not need to pressure Vijay, though she noted that if Vijay stands alone, it could split the anti-DMK vote. She concluded that the opposition is merely attempting to gain political mileage by linking the BJP to Vijay's current challenges.

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This news report analyzes the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu as the Congress party and AIADMK evaluate potential alliances with actor-politician Vijay's TVK. The speaker notes that the Congress' support for Vijay serves as an 'anti-BJP narrative' and a 'bargaining tool with the DMK for power sharing.' While Rahul Gandhi and several Congress MPs have shown solidarity with Vijay, the report suggests this outreach keeps options open for future seed-sharing talks. The analysis further explores the AIADMK's 'catch-22 situation,' noting that while Vijay brings a massive fan base and serves as a 'big crowd puller,' his demand to be projected as the Chief Ministerial face remains a 'non-negotiable' hurdle for the AIADMK, which remains committed to Edappadi Palaniswami. The speaker highlights that despite Vijay's lack of ground-level booth presence, his status as an 'X factor' continues to fuel speculation, especially as he avoids direct attacks on the AIADMK during his rallies.

This report examines the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu as alliances take shape ahead of the upcoming elections. The Congress party has notably come out in support of actor-turned-politician Vijay amidst the controversy surrounding the release of his film 'Jananayagam'. Rahul Gandhi took to social media to 'lash out at the fact that Jananayagam is not released, accusing the BJP of blocking Vijay as well.' The programme highlights the internal dynamics of the Congress, where one section favors an alliance with Vijay's TVK while another seeks a power-sharing agreement with the ruling DMK. Meanwhile, AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami has hinted at a significant new addition to the NDA, sparking speculation regarding Vijay's potential involvement. Despite the overtures from various parties, the TVK maintains that Vijay will remain the Chief Ministerial candidate. The report underscores how Vijay is emerging as the 'X factor' in the high-voltage battle for Tamil Nadu.