Leaders of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Left parties met their alliance partner, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president and Chief Minister MK Stalin, to discuss the request for support from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. According to sources, Stalin allowed his alliance partners complete freedom to decide whether they wished to align with Vijay’s party based on their respective political interests.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam approached the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and Left parties after failing to secure a clear majority despite emerging as the single largest party in the Assembly elections. Formed just two years ago, the party delivered a major electoral upset by winning 108 of the 234 seats in the state Assembly.
With the majority mark set at 118, Vijay requires the support of at least 10 more legislators to form the government. The Congress has already extended support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, contributing an additional five legislators in Vijay’s favour.
Vijay met Governor Arlekar on Wednesday evening to stake claim to forming the government. However, sources indicated that the governor was not convinced that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam had secured adequate backing from coalition partners to establish a stable administration.
The governor and Vijay met again on Thursday morning. According to sources, Governor Arlekar questioned Vijay on how he intended to run the administration without a majority and sought clarity on which political parties were prepared to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The governor also reportedly asked Vijay to clarify his statements regarding possible future support from other parties.
During the meeting, Vijay expressed readiness to face a floor test in the Assembly to prove his majority. However, the governor reportedly insisted that he demonstrate majority support before being invited to take oath as Chief Minister.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol Thirumavalavan strongly objected to the governor’s stand, calling the demand “unacceptable”. He stated that Vijay should first be allowed to take oath as Chief Minister and subsequently prove his numerical strength on the floor of the Assembly.
The unfolding political developments have placed Tamil Nadu at the centre of intense coalition negotiations, with the final shape of the next government now dependent on the decisions of regional allies and independent political calculations in the coming days.
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