NEW DELHI: Following the assembly results, Tamil Nadu remains in a state of political flux as parties maneuver for the necessary numbers to reach a majority. The Tamil Nadu Vanniyar Katchi (TVK) has emerged as the single largest party, securing 108 seats out of 234 in the assembly. Vijay’s current support tally stands at 117 MLAs, falling just one seat short of the majority mark.
Recent developments saw the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), each with two MLAs, extend their support to TVK. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), also holding two MLAs, is anticipated to formally submit a letter of support soon. VCK spokesperson K K Pavalan indicated that an official announcement from party leader Thol Thirumavalavan would come later.
Amid these developments, Vijay met with Governor R V Arlekar on Friday evening to finalize the numbers necessary to claim power. Earlier that day, the CPI pledged its “unconditional support” to TVK. However, the political landscape shifted late in the evening when the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) announced it would not support TVK as previously expected.
CPM state secretary P Shanmugam stated that the party decided to back TVK to avoid the imposition of governor’s rule, which he claimed would allow the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to infiltrate the state. He clarified, however, that CPM would not join the new cabinet.
In a parallel development, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran met with the governor, advocating for AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami’s invitation to form the government. Dhinakaran alleged that his party’s lone MLA had gone silent and accused TVK of engaging in “horse trading,” asserting that a forged letter had emerged, suggesting the MLA’s support for TVK.
From May 4 to May 6, senior AIADMK leaders S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam are reported to have held discussions with TVK leaders, including Vijay’s election strategist John Arokiasamy. AIADMK is seeking one cabinet position for every five supporting MLAs, totaling seven ministerial roles along with a deputy chief minister position.
Political observers noted a silence from TVK following a visit from Congress MLAs who submitted letters of support on May 6. However, Edappadi K Palaniswami took swift measures to consolidate AIADMK forces, summoning newly elected MLAs to his office and blocking attempts to rally support for Vijay. He deployed the party’s deputy general secretary, K P Munusamy, to publicly declare AIADMK’s refusal to support TVK.
AIADMK MLAs were subsequently relocated to resorts in Puducherry to prevent any potential poaching amid the political chaos.
On May 7, DMK president M K Stalin convened discussions with party MLAs and instructed them to follow the leadership’s decision amidst the evolving post-election scenario. Stalin reportedly proposed a DMK-backed government led by AIADMK, urging partners CPI, CPM, and VCK to remain aligned with DMK to prevent Vijay’s ascension to power. Despite these negotiations, the proposal did not receive unanimous support from alliance partners, with VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan also meeting Stalin to explore an amicable separation.
