Chennai/IBNS: Uncertainty over government formation in Tamil Nadu continued on Thursday after Governor RV Arlekar reportedly asked TVK chief Vijay to demonstrate the support of the required 118 MLAs before staking claim to form the government.
TVK Emerges as Single Largest Party
The actor-turned-politician’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), made a spectacular electoral debut by emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, though it fell short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.
Breaking the decades-old bipolar contest between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), TVK dramatically altered the state’s political landscape.
Governor Seeks Clarity on Alliances
Reports said TVK currently has the support of 113 MLAs, including five from DMK ally Congress.
According to NDTV, Governor RV Arlekar asked Vijay how he planned to form the government and which parties would support his administration.
TVK has reportedly indicated that it expects support from six more legislators, including four from Left parties.
Congress Offers Conditional Support
The Congress has extended conditional support to TVK, stating it would back the single largest party provided “communal forces” are kept out of the alliance.
DMK, AIADMK Alliances Suffer Setback
The ruling DMK was reduced to 59 seats in the election, while the AIADMK-BJP alliance secured 47 seats, marking a major setback for both traditional Dravidian power blocs.