Political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu intensified on Friday as actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for the third time in three days to stake claim to form the government.
Despite securing support from several parties, Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was reportedly unable to conclusively demonstrate majority support in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
No official announcement had been issued by Lok Bhavan till late Friday night regarding the invitation to form the government.
TVK Moves Closer to Majority Mark
TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections by winning 108 seats, ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in state politics.
On Friday, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) formally extended support to TVK. Both parties hold two seats each in the Assembly.
Senior TVK leaders accompanied Vijay to Lok Bhavan, where letters of support from the Left parties were reportedly submitted to the Governor.
However, uncertainty remained over the support of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), whose backing could prove crucial in helping TVK cross the majority mark.
VCK Support Yet to Be Officially Confirmed
Sources indicated that no official support letter from the VCK was included in the memorandum submitted to the Governor during Vijay’s latest meeting.
Although leaders from the CPI and CPI(M) publicly claimed that the VCK would support TVK, the party had not issued a formal statement by the time the developments unfolded.
If VCK’s two legislators support TVK, the alliance strength would rise to 118, just crossing the majority mark required in the 234-member Assembly.
Without VCK’s backing, the grouping effectively stands at 117 legislators, as Vijay must vacate one of the two seats he won in the elections within the legally mandated period.
Congress Signals Interest in Joining Government
The Congress party, which won five Assembly seats, has extended support to TVK and expressed willingness to join the government.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai stated that TVK had reportedly offered the party two ministerial positions and one Rajya Sabha seat. However, he clarified that the final decision would rest with the Congress high command.
Meanwhile, the CPI and CPI(M) announced that they would support the government from outside and would not seek ministerial positions.
Speculation Over Alternative Political Alignments
The delay in government formation has fuelled speculation about possible alternative political combinations in Tamil Nadu.
Political discussions intensified after reports emerged suggesting that long-time rivals DMK and AIADMK could potentially explore a power-sharing arrangement to prevent political instability in the state.
Adding to the evolving political scenario, Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK) also extended support to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and urged the Governor to invite the party to form the government.
Left Parties Back TVK to Prevent Political Instability
Leaders of CPI and CPI(M) said their decision to support TVK was aimed at ensuring political stability in Tamil Nadu and preventing the possibility of President’s Rule in the state.
CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam said the parties wanted to avoid prolonged uncertainty and ensure a democratically elected government takes charge without delay.
The Left parties also stated that they do not want any opportunity for the BJP to gain political influence in Tamil Nadu through indirect political developments.
Governor Yet to Take Final Decision
Governor Rajendra Arlekar is expected to examine all letters of support and constitutional requirements before taking a final decision on inviting any party or alliance to form the next government.
As political negotiations continue, Tamil Nadu remains without clarity on who will ultimately lead the state government following one of the most dramatic Assembly election outcomes in recent history.
