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.
Political speculation intensified in Delhi after posters featuring Rahul Gandhi and CM Vijay surfaced outside 10 Janpath ahead of their expected meeting that was later postponed.
The 25-minute meeting at Seva Teerth came at a moment when both the BJP-led Union government and Tamil Nadu’s newly-installed leadership are recalibrating their political equations.
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.
Staring at growing political isolation after several former allies joined the TVK government led by Chief Minister Vijay on Friday, the opposition DMK vented its frustration, with former Union Minister and DMK MP A. Raja drawing criticism for remarks seen as lowering the level of political discourse.
Putting an end to the uncertainty engulfing Tamil Nadu politics, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, the two Left Parties and the IUML on Friday pledged support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of actor-turned-neta Vijay
Left parties and VCK held crucial meetings in Chennai as Vijay’s TVK attempted to cross the majority mark, while protests against Governor Arlekar intensified.
Facing flak from political parties for the delay in extending the invite to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay to form the government, as the TVK is the single largest party, Governor VR Arlekar has stuck to his stand that the actor-turned politician should establish proof of majority support in the Assembly.
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.
The ascent of actor Vijay to the pinnacle of power in Tamil Nadu marks more than a celebrity’s political success ~ it signals a structural shift in how democratic legitimacy is now manufactured and transferred.
