Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay's TVK alliance with the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has been officially named 'Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance'. The name was announced at an alliance meeting chaired by Vijay at TVK's headquarters in Chennai, following a second formal gathering of the coalition partners. The meeting aimed to formalise the alliance structure ahead of upcoming bypolls in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The Congress, VCK, MDMK, and IUML have agreed to participate in the alliance, with the Congress providing five MLAs and the VCK, IUML, and Left Factions contributing additional support. However, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) chose to skip the meeting, marking their second consecutive boycott of formal alliance talks since July 1. CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam stated that the Left parties would continue to offer support on an issue-based basis, aiming to maintain stability in the state Assembly.

Tensions within the alliance have also emerged over the question of national leadership. Statements from TVK legislators and ministers projecting Vijay as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 general elections have drawn strong opposition from Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) leaders. Congress minister S Rajesh Kumar warned that any attempt to undermine the consensus around Rahul Gandhi as the national opposition leader could prompt the party to reconsider its participation in the state cabinet. The TVK leadership has sought to downplay the controversy, stating that the 'Vijay for PM' remarks reflected the personal views of individual lawmakers.

The alliance meeting comes amid ongoing disputes over the Congress's support for the TVK-led government. The Congress had ended its long-standing alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) following the election results and submitted a letter of support to the TVK, with the condition that communal forces be kept out of the government. The Congress has also threatened to resign from the state cabinet if the TVK does not accept Rahul Gandhi as the next prime ministerial candidate. These developments highlight the complex dynamics within the alliance and the broader political landscape in Tamil Nadu.

What remains unknown is the full extent of the Congress's internal discussions on the national leadership issue and whether the TVK will make any formal commitments regarding Vijay's potential candidacy. The outcome of these tensions could significantly influence the political trajectory of the state and the national scene in the coming years.