TVK founder Vijay fails to secure majority to become Tamil Nadu chief minister, allies like IUML and VCK withhold clear support, swearing in delayed amid uncertainty
Vijay. (PTI Photo) (PTI10_27_2024_000234B)
Hopes of TVK founder Vijay being sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister on Saturday faded late Friday night after the party failed to secure the numbers required to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.
Though Vijay met Governor at Raj Bhavan and staked claim to form the government, uncertainty over support from key parties prevented the swearing-in from going ahead. TVK, which won 108 seats, needed additional backing to cross the majority mark of 117 after Vijay won from two constituencies.
The Congress, with five MLAs, and the CPI and CPI(M), with two MLAs each, had extended support to Vijay after breaking ranks with the DMK-led alliance. Reports also suggested that the VCK, which has two MLAs, was preparing to support the TVK.
However, the political situation changed dramatically later in the night. The IUML, another DMK ally with two MLAs, denied extending support to Vijay and reiterated its commitment to the DMK alliance. The VCK too kept its decision pending, saying talks were still on.
Amid the uncertainty, TVK members who had gathered in large numbers anticipating Vijay’s swearing-in were left disappointed as the numbers remained short of the magic figure.
Tamil Nadu, India, India
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