Vijay moved closer to forming his maiden government on Friday after the Left parties extended support to his party, capping days of intense political negotiations over government formation in Tamil Nadu.
The Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) officially announced unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Meanwhile, there were indications that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi has also extended support, while the Indian Union Muslim League said it would back initiatives aimed at government formation.
Vijay is expected to be sworn in as Chief Minister on Saturday, even as final numbers continue to be worked out.
Following the Left parties’ announcement, Vijay visited the office of the Governor in Guindy as celebrations erupted among TVK supporters across several parts of the state, anticipating the formation of a new government.
Although VCK has not made an official announcement, party leader Thol Thirumavalavan has repeatedly indicated that the party’s stand would align with the Left’s position.
In the April Assembly elections, TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, including the two constituencies won by Vijay.
However, Vijay will have to resign from one of the two seats he won — Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East — as per Election Commission rules.
To reach a simple majority in the 234-member Assembly, 118 MLAs are required. Congress, which has five MLAs, has also extended support to Vijay. At present, TVK and its supporting parties account for 116 MLAs, leaving the party just short of the majority mark.
CPI(M) leader and former state secretary K Balakrishnan said VCK and IUML have also sent letters of support to the Governor, suggesting broad backing for TVK. He added that Vijay is expected to be formally invited by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to form the government.
IUML leader K M Kader Mohideen indicated that the party’s two MLAs would support constitutional steps for government formation.
Vijay had earlier met the Governor for the third time in as many days, with sources describing the interaction as brief but significant. TVK had already staked claim to form the government after emerging as the largest party in the April 23 polls.
The party also reached out to CPI, CPI(M), IUML and VCK — all earlier DMK allies — seeking support to cross the majority mark. The Left parties later clarified that while they support TVK for government formation, they will continue their alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on issues concerning state rights.
CPI State Secretary M Veerapandian said the decision was based on democratic mandate, while CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam said the parties would continue their alignment with DMK on state-related issues.
The Left parties also stated they would not join the TVK cabinet and took the decision after detailed deliberations, citing concerns over preventing a political advantage for the BJP.
Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu staged protests alleging that the Governor had not formally invited Vijay to form the government.
With support dynamics still evolving, the final arithmetic suggests TVK is just short of a simple majority, keeping attention on VCK’s final decision, which is expected on Saturday.
(With inputs from PTI)
