The Governor’s office in Tamil Nadu is yet to formally invite TVK’s Vijay to form the government after days of intense negotiating and political deadlock.
TVK chief Vijay with leaders of Left parties. (PTI Image)
Friday marked yet another day of confusion and uncertainty as actor-turned-politician Vijay’s efforts to form the government hit yet another roadblock, with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) yet to reach the magic number needed for a majority.
As the day came to a close, the Governor’s office in Tamil Nadu had yet to send the invite for TVK’s Vijay to form the government after days of intense negotiating and political deadlock. Even after a third meeting with the Governor, the TVK remains just shy of a majority in the Assembly.
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With no letter from the Governor’s office, it is unclear whether the swearing-in ceremony of Vijay, which was planned for May 9 at 11 am, will be held. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
What Happened In Tamil Nadu Today?
The TVK scripted history by emerging as the single largest party in Tamil Nadu, bagging 108 seats out of the total 234. This included party chief Vijay’s two seats of Tiruchirappalli (East) and Perambur.
Despite having the highest number of seats, TVK fell short of a majority, and two visits to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar were unsuccessful after the latter demanded proof of majority. The Congress later extended support to the TVK with its five seats, breaking a long-standing alliance with the DMK.
ALSO READ: How Tamil Nadu’s Political Deadlock Unfolded: From Numbers To Governor Meetings
On Friday, CPI and CPI(M) extended unconditional support to the TVK. The Left parties said they would not be a part of the Cabinet, but would “externally” assist the TVK to avoid political instability in Tamil Nadu. With a combined support of the Congress, CPI and CPI(M), the TVK-led coalition has 116 members, one short of the majority.
VCK Undecided, IUML Declines
Initially, it was reported that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) would also follow the Left parties in supporting Vijay, taking the tally to 118 MLAs. So, Vijay made another trip to the Governor’s office, declaring that he has the support of 118 MLAs.
However, it later emerged that VCK has demanded the Deputy Chief Minister post for party leader Thol. Thirumavalavan as a condition for an alliance with the TVK. Sources told CNN-News18 that the VCK would take a final decision on Saturday.
Sources from the Lok Bhavan said Vijay submitted a letter of support from the CPI and the CPI(M), and assured that he would also get the support of the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
While it was initially reported that IUML would support the TVK – which would take TVK’s tally to 120 – the party later clarified that it would not support Vijay’s party and would stand with the DMK-led alliance. “As far as IUML is concerned, we support the DMK. We were with them yesterday, we are with them today, and we will be with them tomorrow too,” it said in a statement.
And so uncertainty continues to prevail in Tamil Nadu, and Vijay will have to fight another day to become the Chief Minister.
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