Chennai: Tamil Nadu remained gripped by political uncertainty on Thursday as actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay continued efforts to secure enough support to form the next government in the state after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.
Vijay reached Lok Bhavan on Thursday morning for another meeting with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, a day after formally staking claim to form the government, reported The Hindu. However, uncertainty persisted over whether the TVK had the numbers required to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.
According to reports, Vijay was initially expected to take oath as Chief Minister on May 7, but the swearing-in ceremony was delayed as the Governor sought clarity on the party’s ability to prove majority support. Supporters who gathered at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium for the anticipated ceremony reportedly left disappointed after learning of the postponement. TVK won 108 seats in its debut Assembly election, ending decades of dominance by the the DMK and the AIADMK but still falling short of the 118-seat majority mark.
The Congress, in a dramatic political development, decided to extend support to Vijay’s party, effectively severing ties with its long-time ally, the DMK. Congress leaders said the decision was aimed at ensuring the formation of a “secular government” in Tamil Nadu.
The move triggered sharp reactions from the DMK. Senior DMK leader TR Baalu accused the Congress of “betraying” the people who voted for the alliance.
Even with Congress backing, however, TVK’s tally reportedly stands at 113, leaving the party five seats short of a stable majority. Vijay has been reaching out to smaller parties, including the Left parties and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), in a bid to secure the remaining support required.
The AIADMK, meanwhile, ruled out supporting TVK under any circumstances.
Outgoing Chief Minister MK Stalin has already submitted his resignation following the election verdict. However, he was asked by the Governor to continue in office until a new government is formed.
Amidst the ongoing political developments in Tamil Nadu, the TVK has accommodated its MLAs in a private luxury resort in Mammallapuram. The convoy police security provided on Wednesday to Vijay was suddenly withdrawn.
Governor Rajendra Arlekar dissolved the 16th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, with effect from May 5.
Meanwhile, M Veerapandian, Communist Party of India (CPI) Tamil Nadu State Secretary, released a press statement urging the Governor to give an opportunity to TVK to prove its majority on the floor of the assembly, reported TOI.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai on Thursday said TVK, being the single-largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, should be given the first opportunity to form the government.
