Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar has reportedly expressed doubts over whether C. Joseph Vijay has enough support to form the next government despite the strong debut performance of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the Assembly elections.
According to sources, the governor met Vijay at Lok Bhavan on Thursday and questioned how a government could be formed with only 113 MLAs when the majority mark in the Assembly stands at 118.
Governor seeks clarity on alliance support
Sources said Vijay was asked to explain which parties were prepared to back the TVK-led alliance and whether firm commitments had been secured from potential partners.
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The actor reportedly told the governor he was prepared to prove his majority through a floor test in the Assembly, per an NDTV report.
This was the second meeting between the two leaders in two days. On Wednesday, the governor had also reportedly declined Vijay's initial claim to form the government, citing uncertainty over the numbers.
TVK looks to smaller parties
The TVK currently has 108 seats in the Assembly. Support from the Indian National Congress is expected to add five more seats, taking the tally to 113.
The remaining numbers may come from the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Pattali Makkal Katchi.
If all these parties extend support, the alliance could cross the majority mark comfortably even after Vijay vacates one of the two seats he won in the election.
However, there are political complications. The VCK remains aligned with the outgoing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, while the PMK is currently allied with the BJP.
AIADMK alliance speculation continues
There has also been speculation about a possible alliance between the TVK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
Reports suggested that some AIADMK legislators were open to supporting Vijay. However, senior party leaders reportedly denied any alliance discussions.
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Meanwhile, TVK legislators have reportedly been moved to a resort in Mamallapuram as political negotiations continue over government formation in Tamil Nadu.
