Chennai: The suspense over Tamil Nadu government formation continues. AIADMK chief Edapaddi Palaniswami made a cryptic post amid such a scenario.
“In the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections that have concluded successfully, candidates from various parties have contested and emerged victorious. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the party that will form the government in Tamil Nadu,” he wrote in a post on X.
The post assumes significance as there is a fierce numbers battle in the 234-member Assembly. Vijay’s TVK has emerged as the single-largest party with 107 seats. But it fell short of the majority mark of 118.
Congress later backed Vijay, while the CPI and CPI(M) also extended support.
The focus has now shifted to the Thol Thirumavalavan-led VCK. It will be the final stand of VCK that could determine whether Vijay comfortably crosses the halfway mark or not. According to various media reports, VCK is likely to declare its stand by 4pm on Saturday.
Political analysts believe Palaniswami’s phrasing may reflect growing confidence within opposition ranks that Vijay has already lined up enough support.
The remark has also intensified speculation about possible conversations between sections of the anti-DMK camp and TVK.
Vijay has already made multiple visits to Raj Bhavan to stake claim before Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The Governor has sought formal proof of majority support before inviting any party to form the government.
Indian Union Muslim League and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam have already made it clear that they would not, at this time, back Vijay’s two-year-old party in forming the new government.
The IUML and AMMK won three seats between them. VCK has won two seats.
DMK and AIADMK talks are still underway, sources said as quoted by NDTV, adding that they are exploring an alliance with the VCK.
