Jana Nayagan Censor Row Sparks Political Reactions

TVK calls Rahul Gandhi’s support a friendly gesture, Congress denies political motive

January 14, 2026: Actor-politician Vijay’s party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has described Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s support for Jana Nayagan as a “friendly gesture,” even as the Tamil Nadu Congress firmly denied any political intent behind his remarks. A senior TVK leader said Gandhi has shown support since the Karur stampede in September 2025 and his latest statement opposing the Centre over the censor row reflected goodwill. However, the leader dismissed speculation about any electoral alliance, stressing that such decisions rest solely with party chief Vijay.

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee clarified that Gandhi’s statement was aimed only at what it called the “undemocratic methods” of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and had no connection to state politics or future alliances. Congress leaders reiterated that the party remains firmly aligned with the DMK in Tamil Nadu, ruling out any change in its alliance stance. Gandhi had earlier said the I&B Ministry’s attempt to block Jana Nayagan was an attack on Tamil culture and that the Centre would not succeed in suppressing the voice of the Tamil people.

Meanwhile, the censor controversy continues, with the film’s producer KVN Productions moving the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court interim order that stalled CBFC clearance. TVK leaders maintained that while they welcomed Gandhi’s support, the BJP remains their ideological opponent. The Tamil Nadu BJP, however, accused Congress of double standards, claiming it selectively invokes freedom of expression. Jana Nayagan, widely believed to be Vijay’s final film before his full-time political entry, remains at the centre of an intensifying cultural and political debate.