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.
In a rare gesture, Tamil Nadu Governor Vishwanath Rajendra Arlekar presented Vijay with a shawl and a memento on Wednesday when the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president called on him at the Lok Bhavan to stake claim to form a government in Tamil Nadu.
Breaking ranks with the DMK, the Congress on Wednesday announced its decision to support Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay in forming a secular government, a move that has predictably enraged its former ally, with the Dravidian major slamming it as an act of ‘betrayal and backstabbing’.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay, is likely to be sworn in as Chief Minister on Thursday, even as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), intensifies efforts to secure the numbers required to form the government.
TVK’s strong debut reshapes Tamil Nadu politics as Vijay moves to form government and begins talks for support to cross the majority mark.
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.
