NEW DELHI: South Indian film star C. Joseph Vijay’s party secured support of smaller parties to reach a majority and form the government in Tamil Nadu, one of India’s most industrialised states and a key hub for automobile and iPhone production.
Vijay, along with members of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar late on Saturday to stake a claim.
Support from the Indian National Congress, the Left parties and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi helped TVK cross the halfway mark in the 234-member assembly.
Tamil Nadu delivered a fractured verdict after the votes were counted, setting the stage for coalition talks.
Vijay’s party won 108 seats, ending more than five-decade-long duopoly of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Incumbent DMK led by MK Stalin secured 59 seats, while AIADMK won 47, according to results published on the Election Commission website.
The result left investors assessing the impact of political shift. Analysts expect policy continuity as electronics, auto components, textiles and leather are large employment generators.
The state is a major base for car and electronics exports, drawing significant foreign investment, including facilities linked to Apple’s iPhone assemblers. - Bloomberg
