TAMIL NADU, (India): Putting an end to the uncertainty engulfing Tamil Nadu politics, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, the two Left Parties and the IUML on Friday (May 8) pledged support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of actor-turned-neta Vijay, providing more than the much-needed numbers for a majority in the Tamil Nadu assembly as required by the Governor to extend the invite to the TVK for government formation.
With this, Vijay has had the last laugh and is expected to be sworn in on Saturday (May 9) morning. Governor Vishwanath Rajendra Arlekar had earlier rebuffed the TVK’s claim to form the government, stating that proof of majority support was essential for forming a stable government. The Lok Bhavan’s stance has invited sharp criticism from political parties and legal luminaries.
Now, for the third time, Vijay met the Governor at the Lok Bhavan and staked his claim, armed with the letters of support. Interestingly, this development comes amid intense speculation that the DMK and the AIADMK, both defeated at the hustings, were engaged in talks to deny Vijay a shot at power.
There is jubilation at the TVK headquarters at suburban Panaiyur and across the state with enthusiastic supporters dancing to the beats of drums and distributing sweets to celebrate the party crossing the hurdle, paving the way for Vijay taking the oath.
The assembly election resulted in a hung assembly with the TVK emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats. In the 234-member House, 118 is required for a majority. The Congress, which fought the election in the DMK-led alliance, was the first to switch over to the TVK a day after the results were declared on May 4. All four parties—the VCK, CPI, CPI(M) and IUML—each having two members, have now enabled the TVK to cross the half-way mark. The VCK which has decided to offer its support is slated to give the letter later, a party source confided.
Pledging unconditional support to the TVK, both the Left parties made it clear that they would not join the government and their decision was to prevent the BJP from entering the government through backdoor attempts like imposing President’s rule. It remains to be seen whether the VCK joins the cabinet since Vijay has reportedly requested VCK leader Thirumavalavan to join his cabinet. It is said that Thirumavalavan might resign his MP post and join the ministry as the Deputy CM.
Returning from the Lok Bhavan after staking his claim, Vijay visited the offices of the CPI and CPI(M) to personally thank the parties. At the CPI office, he paid floral tributes to late CPI veteran R Nallakannu. At both places, he was received with warmth. Later, he is slated to visit the IUML and VCK leadership as well.
Earlier, in the evening, DMK president MK Stalin urged the Governor to take the necessary steps without any further delay to ensure a government was put in place. With the previous assembly having been dissolved and the newly elected members awaiting to be sworn in, it is necessary that the state has a government, he said in a social media post. - The Statesman/ANN
