THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Chennai, May 7: Tamil Nadu’s political uncertainty continued on Thursday as Governor RV Arlekar reportedly asked Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay to prove majority support before being invited to form the next government.
The development comes after the recently concluded Assembly election delivered a fractured mandate, with Vijay’s TVK emerging as the single largest party in its electoral debut.
TVK Falls Short of Majority Mark
TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling 10 short of the majority mark of 118. The Congress, which secured five seats, has extended conditional support to Vijay.
However, during meetings with the Governor, Vijay was reportedly told that he would need letters of support from at least 118 legislators before taking the oath as Chief Minister.
Sources said the Governor questioned how a stable government could function with only 113 MLAs currently backing the TVK-led bloc.
TVK Signals Possible Legal Move
The TVK has expressed concern over the Governor’s stand and indicated that it may explore legal options if its claim to form the government is not accepted.
The party has also reached out to Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which are currently part of the DMK-led alliance.
VCK chief Thirumavalavan said the issue would be discussed internally within a day or two. He also argued that the Governor should allow the TVK to form the government and prove its majority on the Assembly floor.
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DMK, Kamal Haasan Back Vijay
The DMK criticised the Governor’s position, calling it disrespectful to the people’s mandate.
“The TVK, led by Mr Vijay, has won 108 seats. Not inviting him to form the government would amount to disrespecting the mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu,” DMK leaders said.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan also voiced support for Vijay amid the ongoing political deadlock.
Alliance Talks Continue
The combination of TVK, Congress, Left parties and VCK could potentially give Vijay the required numbers to cross the majority mark.
Meanwhile, speculation over possible support from factions within the AIADMK has intensified, although senior AIADMK leaders denied reports of any alliance with TVK.
The BJP, on its part, rejected allegations that it was influencing the Governor’s decision.
What Happens Next?
Political observers say the Governor has multiple constitutional options, including inviting the single largest party or a post-poll coalition that demonstrates majority support.
If no party manages to secure the numbers required to form a stable government, the possibility of President’s Rule and fresh elections cannot be ruled out.