THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Chennai, May 9: Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) extended support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), helping the alliance reach the majority mark in the Assembly, reports NDTV.
Sources said that the VCK has handed over its letter of support to the TVK, paving the way for the formation of Tamil Nadu’s first coalition government.
With the VCK’s backing, the TVK-led alliance has now touched the crucial figure of 118 MLAs, the minimum required to form a government in the 234-member Assembly.
How Vijay crossed the majority mark
The Vijay-led coalition already had the support of 116 MLA-elects, including five from the Congress and four from Left parties.
The addition of two VCK MLAs took the coalition’s tally to 118.
While the Left parties extended unconditional support to Vijay, Congress support reportedly came with conditions. Sources said the Congress is seeking two ministerial berths in the new government.
Sources also indicated that three AIADMK MLAs may rebel and join the TVK camp.
Governor sought proof of majority
Vijay had made multiple visits to Lok Bhavan to stake claim to form the government but was initially unable to convince Governor R.V. Arlekar that he had the required numbers.
Sources said the governor insisted on letters of support from 118 MLAs before inviting the TVK chief to form the government.
The delay largely stemmed from uncertainty over the VCK’s position, as the party reportedly sent mixed signals for several days before finally backing the TVK alliance.
TVK emerges as Tamil Nadu’s new political force
Launched just two years ago, Vijay’s TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections with 108 seats, ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics.
Vijay himself won from two constituencies, giving the TVK a total strength of 107 MLAs before alliance support.
The DMK was reduced to 59 seats, while the AIADMK secured 47 seats.
The Congress won five seats and the PMK four. The VCK, IUML, CPI and CPM won two seats each, while the BJP, DMDK and AMMK secured one seat each.
The TVK’s rise is being seen as one of the biggest political shifts in Tamil Nadu in recent decades.