According to a statement issued by Girish Chodankar, the All India Congress Committee in-charge for Tamil Nadu, both the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislative Party have resolved to extend full support to TVK in forming the government. The statement emphasized that this support is based on mutual respect and shared responsibility between the two parties.
The Congress clarified that its condition requires TVK to keep away any alliance partners that do not adhere to the Constitution of India. The statement underscored that the proposed alliance extends beyond government formation and is intended to cover future electoral cooperation in local body elections, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.
With Congress support adding five Members of the Legislative Assembly to TVK’s strength, the party’s tally would rise from 107 to 112 seats. However, TVK would still require the backing of six additional legislators to reach the 118-seat majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Actor Vijay has reportedly initiated outreach efforts to the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, the Communist Party of India, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in an attempt to secure additional support. If these parties extend their backing, TVK’s strength would increase to 119 seats, crossing the majority threshold by one seat.
In parallel developments, TVK functionaries are reported to have met All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami at his Chennai residence, a move seen as indicative of internal political realignments within the opposition landscape, particularly involving the Bharatiya Janata Party alliance structure.
The Congress statement also referenced a joint commitment by Vijay and Rahul Gandhi to respect what it described as the historic mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu for a secular and progressive government, with a focus on fulfilling the aspirations of citizens, especially the youth.
In the recently concluded Assembly elections, TVK emerged as the single largest party, disrupting the long-standing dominance of the Dravidian parties. The party secured 108 seats out of 234, falling short of the majority mark by 10 seats. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam secured 59 seats, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam won 47 seats.
Vijay contested from two constituencies, Trichy East and Perambur, winning both. Party sources indicate that he is likely to retain Perambur and vacate Trichy East, which would necessitate a by-election in the constituency.
The unfolding political developments signal a crucial phase in Tamil Nadu’s government formation process, with alliance negotiations likely to determine the final outcome of a closely contested electoral mandate.
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