CHENNAI: Chennai witnessed another crucial day of political activity on Thursday (May 7) as TVK chief Vijay arrived at Lok Bhavan to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar amid continuing uncertainty over the formation of a government in the state.
The meeting comes barely a day after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief formally staked a claim to form the government following the Assembly election results that reshaped the state’s political landscape.
Even though TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, the party still remains short of the majority mark.
Congress, which won five seats, has now extended support to TVK after parting ways with its previous ally, the DMK. The move has taken Vijay’s tally to 113, still five short of the halfway mark required to form the government.
The developments have triggered intense political activity across Chennai, with senior TVK leaders gathering both at the party headquarters and later accompanying Vijay to the Governor’s residence.
Political circles were abuzz on Thursday over speculation surrounding Vijay’s possible swearing-in ceremony. However, sources indicated that the oath-taking is unlikely to happen immediately as TVK continues efforts to shore up support.
Adding to the intrigue, police security deployed outside Vijay’s Nilankarai residence was withdrawn on Wednesday night. Barricades and checkpoint equipment were removed, while convoy security vehicles stationed outside the house were also seen leaving.
At the same time, TVK has shifted several of its MLAs to a luxury resort in Mamallapuram amid the ongoing uncertainty. Around 70 legislators are currently staying at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Poonjery, where private security personnel hired by the party are reportedly guarding the premises.
A second round of discussions between Vijay and the Governor is now being closely watched for indications on whether TVK can bridge the gap and secure the required numbers.
Party leaders and workers remained upbeat despite the numbers challenge.
Speaking to ANI, TVK Fisheries Wing District Secretary Ganeshan said the election results reflected a massive public shift in favour of Vijay.
“The Vijay wave has swept across Tamil Nadu, from Chennai to Kanyakumari. Political leaders across parties spoke about the rise of TVK but doubted its win. Today, the people have given their verdict by giving 108 seats to TVK,” he said.
“We are extremely confident that TVK will form the government. Our leader Vijay will surely become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and he will be the CM forever,” he added.
A TVK worker from Nagapattinam district also expressed confidence that the party would overcome the current hurdles and eventually form the government.
Meanwhile, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has ruled out extending support to TVK.
AIADMK Deputy Coordinator KP Munusamy said the party would not back Vijay’s bid for power “whatever the situation is”.
The current Assembly arithmetic has become more complicated because Vijay is expected to vacate one of the two constituencies he won, Tiruchirapalli East and Perambur, which would reduce TVK’s effective strength in the House to 107.
Still, the actor-turned-politician’s performance has dramatically altered Tamil Nadu politics, with TVK ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK-AIADMK bipolar contest in the state.
The Tamil Nadu Governor had dissolved the previous Legislative Assembly with effect from May 5, following the election outcome. - The Statesman/ANN
