The induction of former ministers, ex-MLAs and party functionaries is being projected by TVK as a sign of its growing organisational reach across Tamil Nadu.
Ever since three rebel AIADMK legislators resigned and defected to Chief Minister Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the principal Opposition DMK and the AIADMK, along with others, have attacked the ruling party, accusing it of blatant horse trading to shore up its majority in the Assembly.
During the trust vote held on May 13 for the Vijay government, 25 of the 47 AIADMK legislators, led by former ministers C. Ve. Shanmugam, S.P. Velumani and C. Vijayabhaskar, voted in favour of the government, triggering a split in the party.
There is a popular phrase, “so close, yet so far.” In fact, the current situation of the AIADMK breakaway faction reminds one of another adage: “all dressed up and nowhere to go.”
The VCK and the League also took a dig at the DMK for allegedly attempting to form a government in alliance with the AIADMK, disregarding the mandate in favour of actor-politician Vijay, whose TVK emerged as the single largest party.
Apprehensive of poaching of its flock, the AIADMK leadership has kept its flock confined at a luxury resort at Poornakuppam in neighbouring Puducherry.
AIADMK bagged 47 seats in the recently concluded polls, while intense political negotiations are going on in the state following the fractured verdict.
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’s debut reshapes Tamil Nadu politics, but numbers fall short. With smaller parties holding the key, Vijay must secure support quickly to stake claim to power.
Tamil Nadu politics has a unique tradition of superstar politicians blending cinema and politics—and doing so with remarkable success.
