The haze around political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu is likely to subside, with sources telling NDTV that actor-politician Vijay may finally have secured the numbers needed to stake claim to form the next government.
Vijay is scheduled to meet R. V. Arlekar at 4.30 pm on Friday — their third meeting in as many days — amid efforts to break the continuing deadlock over government formation.
Sources said the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief now has the support required to cross the majority mark of 118 in the 234-member Assembly, with backing expected from five Congress MLAs and two legislators each from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
Vijay and Governor Arlekar had met on Wednesday and Thursday as well. On both occasions, the Governor reportedly declined to accept the TVK's claim to form the government, maintaining that the party lacked adequate support in the Assembly.
ALSO READ : Vijay Govt Or President's Rule? 5 Big Scenarios In Tamil Nadu Explained Amid Power Tussle
The TVK stunned Tamil Nadu politics in its electoral debut by winning 108 of the state's 234 seats, ending the 62-year dominance of Dravidian heavyweights Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. However, the party remained 10 seats short of the halfway mark.
During Thursday's meeting, Governor Arlekar is learnt to have questioned Vijay on how he intended to run a government with only 113 MLAs and sought clarity on which parties would formally support him. Sources said Vijay's responses at the time failed to convince the Governor.
ALSO READ : Vijay's TVK Supporters Detained During Protest Against Governor Amid Govt-Formation Deadlock
The near-majority verdict triggered intense political manoeuvring, with the TVK swiftly adding the Congress' five seats to its tally after assurances that the party would not align with “communal forces” — an apparent reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Attention then shifted to the support of the VCK and the two Left parties, all of whom had contested the election as allies of the DMK.
Meanwhile, amid speculation over possible defections, an AIADMK leader dismissed concerns of poaching, asserting, “No One Can Buy AIADMK MLAs.”
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
