Political uncertainty continued in Tamil Nadu on Friday as actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay met Governor Rajendra Arlekar for the third time in three days amid ongoing efforts by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government.
Despite multiple meetings at Lok Bhavan, there was no official announcement on government formation till late Friday night. People aware of the developments said TVK had still not conclusively demonstrated majority support in the 234-member Assembly, reported Hindustan Times.
Left parties extend support
Vijay, accompanied by senior TVK leaders, submitted letters of support from the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), both of which have two MLAs each, reported Hindustan Times.
Also Read | Vijay to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu government after Left, VCK backing
Earlier in the day, leaders of both Left parties publicly announced "unconditional support" to TVK from outside the government.
Per HT, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said, "TVK approached CPI, CPI(M) and VCK. We had our party meeting. It’s normal in a democracy to have ups and downs. Tamil Nadu people have supported and decided to elect TVK. We have taken a decision in a democratic way."
CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam said the decision was taken to avoid a delay in government formation and prevent President's Rule. "Joseph Vijay has written a letter to both parties. Since if the government is not formed by the 10th, then President's Rule will come. And the BJP is trying to enter Tamil Nadu through the back door. So, to end this, CPI and CPI(M) have decided to support TVK," he said, per HT.
Majority mark still uncertain
TVK won 108 seats in the Assembly election, ending decades of Dravidian dominance to emerge as the single-largest party. With support from five Congress MLAs, the tally reached 113. Vijay's victory from two constituencies effectively pushed the grouping's strength to 117 legislators.
However, the party remained short of a clear majority without formal backing from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which has two MLAs.
Though Left leaders claimed VCK would support TVK, no official letter from the party had been submitted to the Governor till the time of publication.
Also Read | Vijay's TVK warns all 107 MLAs may quit over possible DMK-AIADMK coalition
Meanwhile, the Congress indicated it was ready to join the government. State unit chief K Selvaperunthagai said TVK had offered the party "two ministers and one Rajya Sabha member", though the final decision rests with the national leadership.
