Actor-politician C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday formally staked a claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single-largest formation in the Assembly elections.
In a communication to Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Vijay sought an appointment and requested time to prove his majority on the floor of the House, asserting that his party’s position entitles it to be invited to form the government.
TVK short of majority, eyes support to cross mark
The development comes as TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling 10 short of the majority mark of 118. Vijay, in his message, said, “We are the single largest party with 108 legislators and have the right to form the government. We request an opportunity to demonstrate our majority.”
He also indicated that he would need additional time to mobilise support, saying he would be able to prove his majority within 15 days.
Sources indicated that the Governor is likely to invite Vijay to form the government, with a window of seven to 15 days expected to be given to establish a majority, in line with constitutional practice when no party secures a clear mandate.
High political activity, meeting of MLAs today
Even as the claim was made, Vijay arrived at the party headquarters in Panaiyur in Chennai, where a meeting of newly-elected MLAs is scheduled later in the day. He is expected to be formally elected as the Legislature Party leader, completing a key procedural step before government formation.
Senior leaders, including General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna, were also present at the headquarters. Security has been tightened outside Vijay’s residence in Nilankarai and at the party office, with large crowds gathering to greet him.
A TVK supporter described the result as a “much-needed” change, expressing hope that Vijay would become the Chief Minister.
TVK’s rise shakes established political order
The election results have marked a major shift in the state’s political landscape. TVK, a debutant in electoral politics, has disrupted the long-standing dominance of the Dravidian parties.
Candidates from the party defeated several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister MK Stalin, DMK leader Duraimurugan, Union Minister L Murugan, and former state BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan.
In Kolathur, TVK’s MS Babu defeated Stalin by 8,795 votes. In Katpadi, M Sudhakar defeated Duraimurugan by 7,309 votes. In Avinashi, Kamali S defeated L Murugan by 15,373 votes, while in Mylapore, Venkataramanan P secured victory over Tamilisai Soundararajan by 28,972 votes.
In a closely fought contest, TVK’s Seenivasa Sethupathy edged past DMK minister KR Periyakaruppan by a margin of just one vote.
Vijay himself won from both Tiruchirapalli East and Perambur constituencies, underlining the party’s strong debut performance.
With the numbers still short of a majority, the focus now shifts to negotiations with smaller parties and Independents, as Tamil Nadu braces for a decisive phase in government formation.