Over the past few weeks, Prakash Raj has been urging voters in Tamil Nadu to reflect carefully before casting their ballots. Although he feels his messages were overlooked, he expressed his acceptance of the Vijay-led Tamil Nadu Vizhuthugal Kootamaippu (TVK) emerging victorious in the elections. The seasoned actor took to social media to commend Vijay while also criticizing Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for requesting that the actor-politician provide documentation proving the support of 118 MLAs prior to being invited to form the government.
In a social media post, Prakash shared a video featuring a disheartened TVK supporter who recorded Vijay departing from the Governor’s residence. He commented, “The behavior of this Governor is disgusting, unacceptable, and unconstitutional. While we may have our differences, Vijay has secured the mandate. He should be permitted to assert his rights in the assembly. #justasking.”
In another message, he emphasized, “Honor the people’s mandate and allow Vijay to assert his right to govern. #justasking.”
After TVK emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Prakash Raj spoke candidly to India Today, clarifying that he was expressing his views not as a party member, but as a concerned citizen. Although he had reservations about Vijay’s capabilities as a political leader, he firmly stated that Vijay should be allowed to form the government. “The first step is to accept the mandate,” he asserted.
TVK, in its inaugural election, won 108 out of 234 assembly seats, breaking a nearly sixty-year cycle of power between the DMK and AIADMK. Following Congress’s decision to support TVK after parting ways with the DMK-led coalition, Vijay approached Governor Arlekar on May 6 to formally claim his position. The Governor requested that Vijay return with letters of support from 118 MLAs, the threshold for a majority, before making any decisions.
Commenting on the situation, Prakash stated, “The Governor’s residence is not the ultimate authority; the assembly floor is.” He criticized the Governor for overstepping his role, questioning, “Why deny him the democratic right that comes with the mandate?” He characterized the delay in allowing Vijay to form the government as “very unfair” and contrary to democratic principles.
Prakash Raj previously mentioned his long-standing acquaintance with Vijay, having collaborated on numerous films, but noted that they had never discussed political matters. This lack of dialogue raised concerns for him. “Popularity alone cannot serve as a governance model. Does he possess a clear vision for finance, agriculture, education, and bureaucratic management?” he questioned, indicating that emotional appeal does not equate to effective governance.
Expressing his worries, he pointed out the losses of notable candidates like Palanivel Thiaga Rajan and Stalin, highlighting that the elections were not merely about offering voters an alternative. Regarding electoral promises and cash transfers, he remarked, “Who has the authority to give my money back to me?” He insisted that governments cannot simply pledge job creation without providing a clear plan for how these jobs will be realized, stressing that every political party should be held accountable for its promises.
Nonetheless, he underscored the importance of respecting the people’s decision, regardless of his personal feelings towards Vijay. He stated, “The opposition must operate as the opposition without engaging in horse-trading and allow the democratic process to unfold.”
On Vijay’s victory, Prakash offered his congratulations, saying, “Darling, you have won. Congratulations to you. Please prove me wrong. Provide good governance for Tamil Nadu. That is all I seek. There is nothing personal against you.”
For more updates from the world of cinema, follow Screen Digital on YouTube.
