After days of deadlock over the government formation, the TVK received the unconditional support of the CPI, CPI(M) and VCK.
TVK chief Vijay with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra V Arlekar on Friday. (PTI Image)
Tamil Nadu Government Formation: Uncertainty prevails in Tamil Nadu on whether actor-turned-politician Vijay will form the next government on Saturday, despite a third meeting with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Vijay on Friday again staked claim to form the government under the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), buoyed by the support of Congress and Left parties.
After days of deadlock over the government formation, the TVK secured the unconditional support of the CPI and CPI(M). There is still no clarity of support from the VCK and IUML, who could further bolster TVK’s power in the Assembly.
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After meeting Governor Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan, the now strengthened TVK is likely to be sworn into power at 11 am on Saturday, finally ending the political uncertainty following the hung verdict in the state, the first since 1952.
Who Is Supporting TVK?
Parties that are supporting the TVK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly:
- Indian National Congress (INC)
- Communist Party of India
- Communist Party of India (Marxist)
There is still uncertainty over the support of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Notably, the Congress broke its decades-long alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to extend the support of five MLAs to the TVK. However, the Vijay-led party still fell short of the majority, and two unsuccessful trips to the governor’s residence prompted him to turn to the Left parties.
READ MORE: How Tamil Nadu’s Political Deadlock Unfolded: From Numbers To Governor Meetings
What Are The Numbers Now?
The TVK won 108 seats out of Tamil Nadu’s 233 constituencies, but fell short of the majority mark of 118. However, Vijay won from two constituencies – Perambur and Tiruchirappalli (East) – and he will have to vacate one of them, which will reduce the TVK’s tally to 107 seats.
The Congress won five seats, while CPI and CPI(M) won two seats each. After they backed the TVK, the party’s tally now increases from 107 to 116, just shy of the majority required to form the government.
The VCK said it would follow the decision of Left parties to support Vijay’s party. If it decides to support them, TVK’s tally would increase to 118, just enough for a majority. It would further increase to 120 if the IUML also follows suit.
The CPI and CPI(M) said they would not be part of the government and would provide external support. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) earlier said it would not be part of Vijay’s new government, saying it would support to the DMK-led alliance.
Hours after the Left parties pledged unconditional support, Vijay reached the office of the governor in Guindy and TVK supporters expect that Arlekar would extend an invitation to form the government.
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