The political landscape in Tamil Nadu remains uncertain after the assembly results, with no party securing a clear majority. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member assembly. With support from the CPI and CPM (two MLAs each), Vijay's tally reached 117, just one short of the majority mark. The VCK, with two MLAs, is yet to formally submit its support, though a spokesperson indicated that letters of support would be issued on Saturday.
Left Parties Back TVK to Prevent Governor's Rule
The CPI and CPM announced unconditional support to TVK to avert the imposition of governor's rule. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam stated, "It would amount to the BJP entering the state through the back door. To stop that, we have chosen to support TVK." However, the CPM clarified it would not join the cabinet. The IUML, which initially indicated support, withdrew at the last minute, shifting the political equations.
Governor's Meeting and Allegations of Poaching
Vijay met Governor R V Arlekar at Lok Bhavan on Friday evening to stake claim to power. Meanwhile, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran urged the governor to invite AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami to form the government. Dhinakaran alleged that his party's lone MLA had gone incommunicado and accused TVK of engaging in "horse trading."
AIADMK Internal Divisions and Consolidation
Senior AIADMK leaders S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam held backchannel talks with TVK, seeking seven ministerial berths and the deputy chief minister post in exchange for support from 35 MLAs. However, AIADMK general secretary Palaniswami moved swiftly to consolidate his camp, summoning all newly elected MLAs and shifting them to resorts in Puducherry to prevent poaching. Deputy general secretary K P Munusamy publicly stated that the party "would not support TVK under any circumstance."
DMK's Efforts to Block Vijay
DMK president M K Stalin explored a tie-up with AIADMK to form a government, proposing a DMK-backed AIADMK-led government. He urged allies CPI, CPM, and VCK not to sever ties abruptly. However, the proposal failed to gain unanimous support, and VCK chief Thol Thirumavalasan met Stalin to discuss an amicable separation. Stalin maintained publicly that the DMK preferred to function as a strong opposition.
The political drama continues as parties maneuver for power, with the possibility of governor's rule looming if no government is formed soon.
