TVK Chief Vijay Stakes Claim to Form Tamil Nadu Government; Governor Requests Proof of Majority
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar confirmed that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has submitted a communication staking a claim to form the state government. The TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the assembly elections with 108 seats, ten short of the 118-seat majority mark. Governor Arlekar stated he has requested exhaustive details regarding the number of supporting candidates, noting that the party's 34.92 per cent vote share is secondary to demonstrating a legislative majority.
Vijay, who won from both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies, has reportedly requested a two-week period to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly. His effective seat count will adjust to 107 once he vacates one of the two won seats. The election results represent a significant shift in the state's political landscape, ending five decades of dominance by the DMK and AIADMK.
Political analysts suggest the TVK may seek a post-poll alliance to bridge the 10-seat deficit. Potential coalition partners include the Indian National Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Other configurations under discussion include a potential alignment with the AIADMK, though no formal agreements have been announced.
The Governor is currently awaiting additional documentation from the TVK leadership before granting a formal meeting. Once the party submits the list of supporting legislators, the Raj Bhavan will determine the timeline for the swearing-in ceremony, which the party has tentatively proposed for May 7 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.