TVK’s push to form the next Tamil Nadu government gathered momentum after Congress extended support, even as suspense continued over numbers and Vijay’s possible swearing-in.
TVK chief Vijay along with party leaders meets Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan after being invited to form the government in Tamil Nadu. | IANS
Chennai witnessed another crucial day of political activity on Thursday as TVK chief Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan amid continuing uncertainty over government formation in the state.
The meeting comes barely a day after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief formally staked a claim to form the government following the Assembly election results that reshaped the state’s political landscape. Even though TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, the party still remains short of the majority mark.
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Congress, which won five seats, has now extended support to TVK after parting ways with its previous ally, the DMK. The move has taken Vijay’s tally to 113. However, Vijay is expected to vacate one of the two constituencies he won, which would reduce the Assembly strength to 233 and bring the majority mark down to 117. Even then, TVK would still remain five seats short.
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The developments have triggered intense political activity across Chennai, with senior TVK leaders gathering both at the party headquarters and later accompanying Vijay to the Governor’s residence.
Thursday’s meeting with Governor Arlekar was Vijay’s second interaction with the Governor in two days. The TVK chief was accompanied by senior party leaders as speculation continued over whether the actor-turned-politician would be invited to form the government.
An official statement issued by Lok Bhavan later clarified that Governor Arlekar had not accepted TVK’s claim yet.
“During the meeting, the Hon’ble Governor explained that the requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, essential for forming the Government, has not been established,” the statement said.
The clarification came amid intense speculation over whether Vijay would be invited to form the government despite falling short of the majority mark.
Sources said Vijay was not inclined to seek support from the BJP and later held consultations with senior party leaders and legal advisors at his residence in Nilankarai following the meeting.
Political circles remained abuzz on Thursday over speculation surrounding Vijay’s next move.
Party seniors have reportedly suggested that TVK explore legal options by approaching either the Supreme Court or the High Court regarding the government formation process. Some leaders also suggested the possibility of going for re-election, sources added.
The developments sparked protests outside Lok Bhavan, where TVK supporters demanded that Vijay be sworn in immediately.
A protesting TVK supporter from Tiruppur said, “We want to support Vijay so that he takes the oath. I am a member of TVK in Tiruppur.”
Meanwhile, Congress Legislature Party leader S Rajeshkumar defended the party’s decision to support TVK, saying the move was made respecting the people’s mandate and keeping Tamil Nadu’s future in mind.
“Respecting the present mindset of the people of Tamil Nadu and bowing to the democratic verdict, we have taken this decision keeping in mind the future welfare of the state,” he said.
As the political deadlock continued, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol. Thirumavalavan on Thursday urged Governor Arlekar to invite Vijay to form the government and allow him to prove his majority on the floor of the House.
Speaking to regional media, Thirumavalavan alleged that the BJP was interfering in Tamil Nadu politics and creating confusion. He also confirmed that VCK had received a letter from Vijay seeking support.
“TVK has been chosen as the single-largest party by the people. Therefore, he should be allowed to take office. That is the guidance provided by the Constitution,” he said.
He also criticised the Governor over the demand for proof of majority before swearing-in.
“The Governor cannot demand a list of people supporting TVK. He cannot say, ‘Who is supporting you? Bring 118 and prove it to me, then come for the swearing-in ceremony’,” Thirumavalavan said.
The Communist Party of India also issued a statement urging the Governor to act in line with constitutional principles and Supreme Court rulings.
“It is not appropriate for the Governor to insist that TVK prove its majority before the swearing-in ceremony,” the CPI said.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader P Shanmugam confirmed that his party had received a letter from Vijay and would discuss its stand at a state committee meeting scheduled for Friday.
“TVK Chief sent a letter to our party. Our State Committee meeting will be held tomorrow morning; we will make our decision in it,” Shanmugam said.
CPI leader Veerapandiyan also confirmed that Vijay had written to the party seeking support to form a “progressive government”.
He said an emergency state executive committee meeting had been convened for Friday to decide the party’s stand.
At the same time, TVK has shifted several of its MLAs to a luxury resort in Mamallapuram amid the ongoing uncertainty. Around 70 legislators are currently staying at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Poonjery, where private security personnel hired by the party are reportedly guarding the premises.
Adding to the intrigue, police security deployed outside Vijay’s Nilankarai residence was withdrawn on Wednesday night.
Barricades and checkpoint equipment were removed, while convoy security vehicles stationed outside the house were also seen leaving.
Party leaders and workers, however, remained upbeat despite the numbers challenge.
Speaking to ANI, TVK Fisheries Wing District Secretary Ganeshan said the election results reflected a major public shift in favour of Vijay.
“The Vijay wave has swept across Tamil Nadu, from Chennai to Kanyakumari. Today, the people have given their verdict by giving 108 seats to TVK,” he said.
“We are extremely confident that TVK will form the government. Our leader Vijay will surely become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,” he added.
Meanwhile, AIADMK Deputy Coordinator KP Munusamy ruled out extending support to TVK “whatever the situation is”.
Still, Vijay’s electoral performance has dramatically altered Tamil Nadu politics, with TVK breaking into a political space long dominated by the DMK and AIADMK. TVK’s emergence has effectively disrupted the decades-old DMK-AIADMK duopoly in the state, pushing Tamil Nadu into one of its most uncertain post-election phases in recent political history.
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