CHENNAI: Uncertainty over the formation of a government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) persisted on Thursday after Governor R V Arlekar informed party leader C Joseph Vijay that the swearing-in process could only be initiated once he demonstrated having the requisite majority in the assembly.
Governor's Stance on Majority Proof
Vijay, who met the governor on Thursday, was told that he had not 'established' that he possessed the required number of MLAs to form the government. The meeting came a day after Vijay staked his claim to form the government. A statement from Lok Bhavan said, 'During the meeting, the Hon'ble Governor explained that the requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, essential for forming the government, has not been established.' TVK won 108 seats and secured the support of five Congress MLAs, but still remained short of the 118-mark needed for a majority.
Legal and Political Consultations
Following the governor's response, Vijay held discussions with his legal team and senior leaders at his Foreshore Estate residence on Thursday regarding the possibility of moving court for directions to conduct a floor test in the Assembly if the delay continued. Later in the day, Vijay spoke to VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan over the phone, seeking support for government formation. Meanwhile, other second-rung leaders, including N Anand, Arun Raj, and CTR Nirmal Kumar, met with CPI, IUML, and CPM leaders respectively. Thirumavalavan said, 'He spoke to me seeking support. I said a decision would be taken after consultations.'
TVK's Optimism and Response
TVK leaders expressed hope that they would secure the required support from other parties. 'We have sought support from several parties, and we hope good will happen,' said TVK general secretary Arun Raj. He also urged the Governor to act in accordance with the constitution. Responding to a question about reports that DMK and AIADMK might come together to prevent TVK from forming the government, he said the people of Tamil Nadu were watching everything. 'Why was OPS expelled from the AIADMK? Was it not because he was said to have maintained ties with the DMK? These two parties have planned things in a way that could dilute the people's mandate,' he added.
Party Unity and Rumors
Meanwhile, TVK MLAs staying at a resort in Mamallapuram arrived at the party headquarters in Panaiyur. General secretary N Anand asked them not to panic and described the development as 'only a delay and not a denial.' He also dismissed rumors that TVK MLAs were being poached.
