Chennai: TVK chief Vijay’s bid to become Tamil Nadu’s next Chief Minister faced a setback on Wednesday after Governor Rajendra Arlekar reportedly insisted that the party submit documentary proof of majority support before being invited to form the government, according to The Indian Express.
The Governor’s position has complicated TVK’s efforts to quickly stitch together a coalition. Although the party secured 108 seats in the Assembly elections, Vijay will have to vacate one of the two constituencies he won, reducing the effective strength to 107 in the 233-member House. The majority mark now stands at 117.
Earlier in the day, TVK appeared to gain momentum after the Congress decided to extend support through its five MLAs. However, the move also seems to have pushed away potential allies from the NDA camp.
Congress agreed to back TVK on the condition that Vijay keep “communal forces” and NDA allies out of the proposed alliance. Sources said the understanding also covered cooperation in future local body elections, Rajya Sabha polls and the next Lok Sabha elections.
Following the Congress-TVK understanding, leaders from NDA allies including AIADMK, PMK and AMMK reportedly began distancing themselves from the prospect of supporting a Vijay-led government. Sources in these parties said the Congress backing had significantly changed the political equation, with indications that BJP leadership in Delhi did not want NDA allies helping a Congress-supported TVK government come to power.
Despite Congress support, TVK still requires at least five more MLAs to cross the majority mark.
Party emissaries are reportedly in touch with VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss. Some sections within AIADMK are also believed to be reassessing their options amid concerns that prolonged uncertainty could trigger defections or political realignments.
Sources in VCK indicated the party may formally announce support on Thursday, which would add two MLAs to TVK’s tally. Even then, the party would remain short by three seats. The CPI has postponed a decision until a meeting scheduled for May 8, while CPM leaders are still holding internal discussions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also reportedly engaging with Left parties in an effort to stabilise support for TVK.
The immediate hurdle, however, emerged from Raj Bhavan. During a meeting with Vijay, Governor Arlekar reportedly reiterated that any claim to form the government must be accompanied by documented support from at least 117 MLAs.
TVK sources said the Governor reminded Vijay that he had earlier conveyed the same requirement during a phone conversation. Raj Bhavan sources indicated that Arlekar is expected to leave for Kerala on Thursday.
The development has effectively disrupted TVK’s plan for a quick swearing-in ceremony on Thursday or Friday, where Vijay and a small group of senior leaders were expected to take oath before seeking two weeks to prove majority on the Assembly floor.
