Tamil Nadu political crisis: Governor sends Vijay back again, asks him to return with 118 signatures
PTC Web Desk: Actor-turned-politician Vijay again met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday morning to stake claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu after his party emerged as the single-largest force in the Assembly elections.
This was Vijay’s second meeting with the Governor in two days amid uncertainty over government formation in the state. Sources said the Governor has asked the TVK chief to demonstrate majority support before any formal invitation to form the government is issued.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling 10 short of the majority mark of 118. The Congress, which won five seats, has extended support to Vijay, taking the alliance tally to 113.
Party insiders claimed TVK is also expecting backing from some of the DMK’s allies, including the CPI, CPM and VCK, which together hold six seats in the new Assembly.
The election results have dramatically altered Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, ending the long-standing dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
The DMK suffered a major setback, managing to win only 59 seats. Former Chief Minister MK Stalin also lost from his Kolathur constituency to a TVK candidate. The AIADMK finished with 47 seats.
With no party crossing the majority mark on its owTVKn, political activity in Chennai has intensified as parties explore possible alliances and support arrangements to form the next government.
- With inputs from agencies
