Vijay’s bid to become Tamil Nadu’s chief minister faces challenges amid political drama, including allegations of horse-trading and uncertainty over support.
The Bollywood-style political drama intensified in Tamil Nadu on Saturday with still no clarity on who will form the next government despite actor-politician C Joseph Vijay emerging as the biggest winner in the Assembly elections. What initially looked like a smooth path for Vijay to become the first chief minister of the state outside the DMK-AIADMK duopoly since 1967, has now turned into a full-fledged ‘Game of Thrones’ battle involving late-night negotiations, resort politics, allegations of horse-trading, allegations of forged letters of support and suspense over key allies.
After three straight days of meetings with Governor Rajendra Arlikar, Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) is still struggling to conclusively prove majority support in the 234-member Assembly. TVK’s tally actually stands at 107 after Vijay was asked to vacate one of the two seats he won. Support from Congress, the CPI(M) and the CPI(M) brought the number to 116 – still below the halfway mark of 118.
path Live updates on Tamil Nadu government formation here
The biggest suspense now revolves around Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, whose two MLAs could decide whether Vijay forms the government or whether the deadlock deepens further. At the same time, a bitter face-off broke out between TVK and TTV (AMMKal Munnettra Kazagam) chief Dhinakaran after he accused TVK of using a “forged” letter of support from its only MLA in an alleged attempt to “quid pro quo”. Meanwhile, Congress has moved MLAs to Hyderabad amid fears of poaching attempts as uncertainty grips the state.
Here are the 10 biggest developments in the battle to form the Tamil Nadu government:
Vijay is still short of the majority mark
Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, but Vijay’s effective strength has fallen to 107 seats because he must vacate one of the two constituencies he won. Supported by Congress(5), CPI(2) and CPI(M)(2), TVK currently has the support of 116 MLAs – still two points short of the majority mark of 118.
VCK now holds cards
All eyes are on Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, whose two MLAs could help Vijay cross the halfway mark. VCK representatives said the party will make an official announcement by 4pm on Saturday.
VCK MLA-elect Fani Arasu said the party wants “continuation of people’s rule” and criticized the governor’s actions as unconstitutional.
Congress MLAs have shifted to Hyderabad amid poaching fears
In a dramatic development, the Congress moved its five multilateral agreements to Hyderabad amid fears of poaching attempts during the ongoing battle of numbers.
Congress MLA P Viswanathan leads the group. Sources said he may become a minister if a TVK-led government is formed.
Read also- 5+2+2+2-2: Why math is not math for TVK’s Vijay to form Tamil Nadu government
A row over horse trading has erupted over the AMMK MLA
A major controversy also erupted after TVK submitted what it claimed was a letter of support from the lone MLA for Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam.
AMMK president TTV Dhinakaran accused TVK of “horse trading” and “forgery”, claiming the letter was fake and insisting that the MLA remained loyal to the NDA and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Dinakaran rushes to the governor and requests an investigation
Dinakaran personally met Governor Rajendra Arlikar late on Friday night and sought an investigation into the alleged forged letter.
“We urged him not to allow these people involved in fraud to form the government,” Dinakaran said, adding that a police complaint would also be filed.
TVK responds with video proof
TVK rejected the allegations and released a video showing AMMK MLA S Kamaraj allegedly writing a letter of support for Vijay.
The party accused Dinakaran of spreading “fake news and misinformation” and insisted that TVK “does not need to bargain or negotiate” to get support.
IUML confusion increases uncertainty
The Indian Muslim League added to the confusion after initially hinting at supporting the formation of the government before later denying any support for TVK.
IUML leader Shahjahan later clarified: “We did not support anyone. We did not send any message to anyone.”
The governor has not invited Vijay yet
Despite Vijay meeting the Governor three times in three days, Raj Bhavan is yet to formally invite him to form the government. Sources indicated that the governor wants verified written proof of majority support before making a final decision.
TVK workers continue the celebrations
Even amid the uncertainty, TVK cadres gathered outside the party office in Chennai, expressing confidence that Vijay would soon become the chief minister.
If sworn in, Vijay will become the first leader outside the DMK-AIADMK combination to rule Tamil Nadu since 1967.
Rahul Gandhi may attend the swearing-in
Amid speculation that the impasse may end soon, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend Vijay’s proposed swearing-in ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.
But with the VCK yet to officially announce its support and the controversy over the AMMK escalating, the post-poll drama in Tamil Nadu is far from over.
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