Four days after achieving a significant electoral milestone, Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is navigating a complex political landscape in Tamil Nadu. The party won 108 out of 234 assembly seats, falling shy of the 118 seats needed for a majority, thereby resulting in uncertainty regarding government formation.
TVK’s ascendance comes at the expense of the traditional political hegemony held by the Dravidian parties, DMK and AIADMK, which have dominated Tamil Nadu’s politics for nearly five decades. The DMK secured 59 seats, while the AIADMK claimed 47.
Despite being the single-largest party, TVK’s lack of a clear majority complicates matters. Reports indicate that Vijay is likely to vacate one of the two seats he contested, reducing TVK’s effective strength to 107. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has invited Vijay for discussions at Lok Bhavan but has not officially asked him to form a government. Sources familiar with the situation reported that the governor is seeking clarity on the required “magic number” for government formation and wants details on the legislators backing TVK.
The Congress party, pivotal in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, has thrown its support behind TVK, contributing five MLAs. This collaboration raises the alliance’s total to 113 but still leaves TVK short of the majority threshold. Tensions are reportedly escalating within the Secular Progressive Alliance, with DMK leaders labeling Congress a “backstabber” for not supporting them.
In light of this situation, TVK is intensifying efforts to secure allies from smaller parties, including PMK, CPM, and VCK. With Congress on board, and pending potential defections from other parties, TVK’s effective tally is projected to stand at 112 after the anticipated resignation of one seat, still five seats short of the majority.
Accusations have emerged against Governor Arlekar, with leaders like VCK’s Thol Thirumavalavan alleging that he is acting under pressure from the BJP-led Union government, which is complicating the legislative process. They argue that Vijay should have been permitted to establish his majority through a floor test.
Simultaneously, DMK leader MK Stalin has reportedly initiated talks with members of CPI and CPM, who together hold six seats that could be critical in the race for majority control. In an unexpected development, communications have occurred between DMK and AIADMK, as Stalin informed DMK MLAs about AIADMK’s outreach to secure support against Vijay’s rise to chief minister.
In a further twist, some members of AIADMK have reportedly been approached by TVK regarding a power-sharing plan. Speculation is also rife after approximately 28 AIADMK legislators aligned with senior leader CV Shanmugam were relocated to a private resort in Puducherry, stoking rumors of potential support for TVK.
Discussions among stakeholders reportedly include the offering of a deputy chief minister’s position and key ministerial roles for Shanmugam. However, divisions within the AIADMK remain evident, as party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has shown reluctance to support TVK.
Amid these developments, TVK has also moved its own MLAs to a luxury resort in Mamallapuram, where over 50 legislators remain under tight police security as the party continues strategizing post-election.
