"There is no possibility of any alternative other than Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of the INDIA bloc," Vaiko told mediapersons in Tirunelveli on Monday. He said to his knowledge, Vijay himself did not appear to harbour any such ambition.

Vaiko's statement assumes significance amid recent attempts by TVK functionaries and ministers to project Vijay as a possible prime ministerial candidate for 2029. The move has reportedly caused unease among Congress leaders, who were among the first allies to extend unconditional support to the TVK government despite the party not having the numbers to form the government on its own.

At a Congress meeting near Marthandam, in Kanyakumari district, on Sunday, tourism minister Rajesh Kumar warned that he and higher education minister Viswanathan would have to quit the TVK government if the party did not accept Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate. Viswanathan, speaking in Tiruchy on the same day, said he, too, was ready to resign.

Vaiko urged Vijay to advise his ministers and party functionaries against making statements projecting him as a prime ministerial candidate. The senior Tamil Nadu politician thereby is understood to have sent a clear message to the TVK that its allies will not hesitate to oppose any attempt to project Vijay for the prime minister's post.

Vaiko, however, gave the Vijay government 80 per cent marks for its first 100 days in office. He praised its measures against corruption, describing the fight against corruption as a "Himalayan task", and said the government's efforts in this regard were commendable.

Welcoming the live telecast of Assembly proceedings, Vaiko said it will strengthen democracy. He added that the live coverage should make members of the ruling party and Opposition more conscious of their conduct in the House.

Vaiko expressed his displeasure over the downgrading of Z+ security cover provided to former chief minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin and demanded that the security cover be restored.