Actor-turned-politician Vijay is on the verge of becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, with his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), reportedly securing the support of the Congress and three smaller parties—the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the Communist Party of India (CPI), and the CPI(M).
TVK chief Vijay has sought an appointment with Governor Rajendra Arlekar for the third consecutive day today. He previously met the Governor on May 6 and 7, but both attempts were unsuccessful. The Governor insisted that Vijay demonstrate support from the minimum 118 MLAs required to form the state government.
Interestingly, when C. Joseph Vijay’s newly formed political party won the most seats in the recent election in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, it was hailed as historic. But five days after Monday’s vote-counting, political uncertainty prevails in the southern state, with no clarity on when a new government could be formed or who would form it.
In the recent assembly elections, TVK won 108 seats, while Vijay himself secured victories in two constituencies. As per protocol, he will need to vacate one seat, leaving him 11 MLAs short of a majority. Five Congress MLAs have already pledged support to the party, and with the backing of two MLAs each from CPI, CPI(M), and VCK, TVK is positioned to achieve the majority required to form the government. Sources suggest that allied parties are likely to receive ministerial positions in Vijay’s cabinet once the government is officially sworn in.
TVK supporters staged demonstrations in front of the Governor’s House (Lok Bhavan) on Wednesday morning, chanting slogans in favor of their leader. Several protesters were detained by the police during the demonstration.
In a related development, following the breakdown of its alliance with the Congress, the DMK demanded that its MPs be re-seated in the Lok Sabha. The party argued that it would be inappropriate for its MPs to continue sitting alongside Congress members in the House after the alliance’s dissolution.
The coming days are likely to be crucial as TVK works to consolidate support and officially stake its claim to lead Tamil Nadu.
