- Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor thrice to claim government formation support
- TVK won 108 seats; with allies, Vijay’s effective strength is 116 MLAs
- Left parties support TVK but won’t join its cabinet, continue DMK alliance
Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay met the Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar on Saturday for a third time in as many days to try and resolve a continuing deadlock over the formation of the next government. At the Lok Bhavan, he staked claim to form the government. NDTV reported that in Arlekar's office, Vijay hasn't been invited to take the oath as the chief minister because he could not prove the support of 118 MLAs, the majority mark in the state's assembly.
In the April Assembly polls, TVK won 108 seats, emerging as the single largest party. Vijay won from two constituencies — Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East — but will have to resign from one seat as per Election Commission norms.
With Congress extending support through its five MLAs and the Left parties adding four more legislators, TVK's effective strength stands at 116. Vijay needs the support of 118 MLAs to form the government in the 234-member Assembly.
The VCK, which has two MLAs, is now expected to play a crucial role. Though the party has not made an official announcement yet, its chief Thol Thirumavalavan has repeatedly said VCK's stand will be in line with the Left parties.
Left Backs TVK, But Says Alliance With DMK Continues
CPI State Secretary M Veerapandian said the party had decided to support TVK in the interest of democracy. CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam said the decision was taken to prevent any possibility of a “backdoor entry” by the BJP. However, both Left parties clarified that they would not join the TVK cabinet. They also said they would continue to align with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on issues concerning state rights.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) and CPI(M), along with Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), had contested the 2026 Assembly elections as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance.
IUML Hints At Support, Congress Protests Delay
The IUML, which has two MLAs, said it would support initiatives by the Governor towards government formation. Its statement is being seen as an indication that the party may facilitate Vijay's claim to power. Meanwhile, Congress staged a protest against the Governor for not inviting Vijay to form the government. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai, AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Girish Chodankar, and party workers took part in the agitation.
ALSO READ: Vijay Lacks 'Basic Qualification', Cinema Fame Not Enough To Form Govt, Says AIADMK Veteran
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
