"Misuse of power": Congress' Tamil Nadu in-charge now backs Vijay questions censor block on film

New Delhi [India], January 8 : Tamil Nadu Congress incharge Girish Chodankar on Thursday alleged "misuse of power" by the Narendra Modi government as the censor certification for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' has been delayed.
"Dear PMO India (and) Narendra Modi, the controversy surrounding actor Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan' has sparked concerns about the misuse of political power. While political disagreements are understandable, targeting an artist's work is unacceptable," Chodankar posted on X.
He said that the people of Tamil Nadu will not tolerate censorship of cinema for political gains. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that art and entertainment were not used as "pawns in political battles".
"The people of Tamil Nadu will not tolerate censorship of cinemas for political gains. We urge you to ensure that art and entertainment are not used as pawns in political battles. Vijay's film is facing delays due to your pressure on authorities, which is unfair to the producers and fans. Let's keep politics out of art and respect creative freedom," Chodankar said.
The Congress leader said that PM Modi should take on the politician Vijay, not the actor Vijay.
"Modi, prove your 56-inch chest claim by taking on politician Vijay not actor Vijay. Remember your politics of intimidation won't work in Tamil Nadu," he added.
His remarks come after the much-awaited film 'Jana Nayagan', which is expected to be actor Thalapathy Vijay's final movie, has been postponed ahead of the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
The film was originally planned to be released in theatres on January 9, 2026.
Earlier in the day, Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty accused PM Modi of "insulting" people of Tamil Nadu. He quoted Rahul Gandhi's 2017 post on X, where the Congress leader had "warned" the Prime Minister not to insult Tamil pride by "suppressing Tamil cinema".
"Nine years earlier, Rahul Gandhi had warned PM Modi not to insult Tamil culture & pride by suppressing Tamil cinema. But Narendra Modi insults Tamil people again by witholding (sic) censor certificate for Jana Nayagan on purpose & blocking its release," Chakravarty posted on X.
Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Jothimani also criticised the centre for refusing to grant certification to 'Jana Nayagan'.
Tagore alleged that the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression was being "systematically weakened through fear" under Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Meanwhile, Jothimani criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the same issue, calling it an attack on the Tamil film industry.
Amid demands for power-sharing, Congress leaders' backing for Vijay and his new release also sends a subtle message to Congress ally DMK, especially after reports of a TVK-Congress pact were floated earlier.