Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal said on Tuesday that the party held internal discussions on the evolving post-election scenario in Tamil Nadu, with top leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Girish Chodankar in attendance.
Venugopal confirmed that Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has sought Congress support to form the government after his party emerged as the single largest in the election.
The Congress, however, has asked its Tamil Nadu Congress Committee to take a final call, factoring in public sentiment reflected in the verdict.
The TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member House, falling 10 short of the majority mark of 118.
Political commentators have a different opinion on the emerging political scenario in Tamil Nadu.
Senior analyst Sumanth Raman told PTI, "Since it is the single largest party, TVK has the option to go for that. I don't think he (Vijay) will opt for official support from other political party's MLAs."
He added, "If he opts for minority government, the only thing is that, Vijay will have to prove the support once again after six months."
Notably, in the 2006 precedent, M Karunanidhi led a minority Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government with outside support.
Vijay, who won two seats, is expected to vacate one, potentially reducing TVK's tally further.
He is likely to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake claim. If the TVK fails to secure backing, the governor may invite the DMK to form the government.
Meanwhile, analyst Durai Karuna dismissed the minority option, saying, "If he (Vijay) gives an appeal, many political parties including Congress, VCK and Left parties will join TVK."
He added, "In addition, the AIADMK might also announce that it would support TVK unconditionally."
Political commentator Tharasu Shyam said Congress was "holding talks with Vijay", while Chodankar admitted that sticking with the DMK alliance went against grassroots sentiment, noting, "the local leaders... were suggesting... we can sweep the Tamil Nadu polls.
ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu Election Result: TVK's Vijay Likely To Resign From Trichy East Seat, Says Report
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