TN: Vijay producer lands Delhi role, Karnataka origin draws scrutiny

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government appointed Venkata Narayana K., founder of KVN Productions and producer of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s film ‘Jana Nayagan’, the state’s special representative in New Delhi. The move has sparked a sharp political backlash, with critics citing Venkata Narayana’s lack of administrative or political experience and his Karnataka origins.

Venkata Narayana K. is a Bengaluru-based businessman and film producer, and the founder and chairman of KVN Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate and entertainment. He previously served as CEO of the Prestige Group, a major real estate developer, where he played a key role in expanding its footprint across India.

Venkat Narayana began his close professional association with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay through KVN Productions, which produced Vijay’s political action thriller ‘Jana Nayagan’, directed by H. Vinoth. The film was touted as Vijay’s final film before fully entering politics with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Venkat became a part of Vijay’s inner circle, and was seen accompanying Vijay and TVK leaders on official visits.

On 23 June 2026, the Tamil Nadu government appointed him the state’s special representative in New Delhi for one year. effective from the date he assumes charge. The role involves acting as a bridge between the state and the centre on administrative and policy matters.

The appointment, seen as a personal choice of the CM, has sparked significant backlash over his lack of political and administrative experience and Karnataka origins, particularly amid ongoing the Cauvery water disputes between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The appointment has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue that a sensitive role meant to advocate for Tamil Nadu’s interests at the Centre should not go to someone without relevant credentials and from a neighbouring state with which Tamil Nadu has long-standing water disputes.

DMK leader Kanimozhi strongly criticised the move, questioning if no individual from Tamil Nadu was qualified enough.

“In a governmental position that should advocate for Tamil Nadu’s rights in Delhi, the Union government has appointed someone from Karnataka to a role equivalent to that of a minister. In the Union government, is there not even one qualified person from Tamil Nadu for that responsibility? In matters concerning Tamil Nadu’s rights-related issues, including the Mekedatu dam construction matter, will the person currently selected act as a representative of Tamil Nadu? Or will they act as a representative of their home state, Karnataka?” she questioned.

The government has defended Venkata Narayana’s appointment as a strategic decision, leveraging his corporate network for better coordination and investment opportunities. TVK minister K. A. Sengottaiyan said the move was a policy decision of the government. “The appointment of Venkat Narayana as Delhi special representative is the government’s policy decision. In a governmental position that should advocate for Tamil Nadu’s rights in Delhi. There is nothing wrong with Venkat Narayana being appointed the special representative for Delhi,” he told the media Saturday.

DMK MP P. Wilson also alleged that the chief minister had breached his oath of secrecy by allowing close aides from Andhra Pradesh to attend high-level government meetings. He questioned the presence of John Arockiasamy and Vishnu Reddy at cabinet meetings, review sessions, and other high-level government deliberations held by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

“Thiru John Arockiasamy and Thiru Vishnu Reddy, both from Andhra Pradesh, are close aides and friends of Thiru C. Joseph Vijay, the CM of Tamil Nadu. It is not clear what official positions they hold in the government, but they have been allotted a chamber near the chief minister’s chambers at the secretariat. If they are not government servants, in what capacity are they attending highly confidential meetings where secret documents are circulated?” Wilson wrote on X.

He further alleged that involving these individuals raised serious concerns regarding compliance with constitutional norms, the rules of business, and the CM’s oath of secrecy. “Let the CM reveal the official designations of these two individuals and tell the public under what authority they are attending cabinet meetings and issuing directions to officials,” he questioned.

DMDK’s Premalatha also criticised the appointment of Venkata Narayana. She questioned whether such a representative could genuinely safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests over those of their home state. Premalatha claimed the appointment was detrimental to Tamil Nadu’s rights and called out the decision, invoking Dravidian ideology and Tamil identity.

(Edited by Viny Mishra)

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