Chennai: Veteran actor and political commentator Prakash Raj has strongly backed Tamil Nadu’s political newcomer Vijay, demanding that the Governor immediately invite the actor-turned-politician to form the government. In a sharp criticism of Rajendra Arlekar, the Tamil Nadu Governor, Prakash Raj said the constitutional head has “no business” delaying the process and must respect the people’s mandate.
The intervention by Prakash Raj comes at a critical moment when Tamil Nadu is witnessing high political drama following a stunning election verdict that has thrown the state into a hung assembly situation.
Prakash Raj on Vijay Government Formation: ‘Respect the Mandate’
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Prakash Raj on Vijay government formation made it clear that the democratic process cannot be stalled. He asserted that Vijay, having secured a clear mandate, should be allowed to prove his majority on the floor of the House rather than being subjected to Governor’s scrutiny behind closed doors.
First thing we will have to do is accept the mandate, Prakash Raj stated emphatically.
Referring to Vijay’s claimed support of 108 seats, plus five from the Congress party, Raj questioned the Governor’s hesitation:
Governor’s house is not the truth. Besides, it is the floor of the House. Let him claim, let him prove on the floor. Why are you even not giving him the democratic right with the mandate?
The actor, known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, called the current situation very unfair and not democracy.
‘Governor Has No Business’: Prakash Raj Slams Rajendra Arlekar
In his most scathing remarks, Prakash Raj said the Tamil Nadu Governor has overstepped his constitutional limits. According to Raj, the Governor’s role is not to decide the viability of a government from Raj Bhavan but to invite the single largest party or pre-poll alliance to form the government.
Governor’s house is not the truth. It is the floor of the House, he reiterated, emphasizing that the legislative assembly is the only appropriate venue for testing majority.
He added that the Governor had no business deciding the matter at home, and demanded that Vijay be given the democratic right to prove his numbers on the floor of the House.
Prakash Raj’s Dual Stance: Support Amid Concerns
While strongly backing Vijay’s democratic right to form the government, Prakash Raj did not hide his concerns about governance under a leader without administrative experience.
Prakash Raj on Vijay government formation also included a note of caution. He admitted he remained worried about governance under a leader without an administrative background.
He posed critical questions:
- Does Vijay’s team have a clear vision on finance, agriculture, and education?
- How will they handle the bureaucracy?
- Can popularity alone be the model for governance?
Popularity itself cannot be the model for governance, Raj cautioned.
However, he maintained that these concerns do not negate the people’s verdict. In a democracy, people have the right to be wrong too, not the leaders, he said philosophically.
‘One Face Winning Everything Is Not Healthy’
Prakash Raj also raised concerns about the nature of the electoral verdict. He pointed out that while anti-incumbency against the DMK government was evident, he was worried when somebody like PTR (Palanivel Thiaga Rajan) loses and somebody like Stalin loses.
According to Raj, a healthy democracy requires voters to know their local representatives. He argued that one face winning everything was not healthy if voters did not know who their local MLA candidates were.
He said his concerns during the election were those of a citizen and not a party worker, and that governance could not rest on one individual.
Message to Vijay: ‘Please Prove Me Wrong’
Ending his statement on a personal note, Prakash Raj addressed Vijay directly, acknowledging their past professional relationship.
The actor revealed that he had known Vijay for the first two to two-and-a-half decades of his career and had worked with him in several films, but they had never discussed politics. This, he said, was why he had doubts about Vijay’s political and administrative side.
Nevertheless, he offered warm congratulations:
Darling, you have won. Congratulations to you. As a friend, I still have doubts. But please prove me wrong. Give good governance to Tamil Nadu. That is all I need. There is nothing personal against you.
Political Context: Tamil Nadu’s Post-Election Deadlock
The remarks by Prakash Raj come amid intense political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu. Following the assembly election results, no single party has secured a clear majority on its own. Vijay’s party, along with Congress support, claims to have the numbers to form the government.
However, the Governor’s delay in inviting Vijay to stake claim has led to allegations of bias and constitutional overreach. Opposition parties have accused Rajendra Arlekar of acting under pressure from the central government.
Prakash Raj’s intervention adds a powerful voice to those demanding immediate government formation and floor test.
Key Takeaways from Prakash Raj’s Statement
| Aspect | Prakash Raj’s Position |
|---|---|
| On Governor’s delay | Criticized strongly; said Governor has “no business” deciding |
| On Vijay’s right | Must be invited to form government and prove majority on floor |
| On governance concerns | Worried about lack of administrative experience |
| On electoral mandate | Must be respected, even if he has doubts |
| Message to Vijay | “Congratulations. Prove me wrong. Give good governance.” |
What Happens Next?
With Prakash Raj voicing support for Vijay’s democratic right and criticizing the Governor, pressure is mounting on Raj Bhavan to act. Political observers expect:
- Possible Supreme Court intervention if Governor continues to delay
- Floor test once government is formed
- Intense debate on whether populist leaders can govern effectively
- Focus on Vijay’s cabinet choices and administrative vision
Also Read:TVK Government Formation 2026 – Can Vijay’s Party Cross the Magic Number?
