The political suspense in Tamil Nadu appears headed for a dramatic conclusion, with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) officially extending support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for government formation, significantly boosting actor-politician Vijay’s numbers in the Assembly.
VCK president Thirumavalavan met TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna and handed over a formal letter of support to the Vijay-led alliance, clearing a major hurdle in the race to form the next government in the state.
With the VCK now backing TVK, Vijay is expected to once again meet Rajendra Arlekar to stake claim to power, asserting support of 118 MLAs, the crucial halfway mark in the 234-member Assembly.
Addressing the media, Arjuna held up what he described as a letter from the VCK leadership backing TVK’s bid to form the government. “Victory,” he declared, amid high political drama and intense negotiations that have kept the state on edge for the past three days.
The development comes after prolonged uncertainty over VCK’s stand, with the party earlier withholding formal support despite indications of backing Vijay-led TVK. The hesitation had fuelled speculation of tough bargaining and competing political pressures behind the scenes.
While TVK leaders projected confidence following the announcement, there was no immediate detailed response from VCK on the contents of the letter or the terms of support.
The development comes after Raj Bhavan indicated that TVK had the backing of only 116 legislators, including 107 MLAs of its own, five from the Congress and two each from the CPI and CPM.
The VCK had earlier maintained that it would take its political cue from the Left parties before making a final decision, leading to prolonged uncertainty and intense negotiations through the day.
The high-stakes political drama also witnessed allegations of horse-trading, with the Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK), an NDA ally in the state, accusing TVK of attempting to poach legislators. TVK, however, strongly denied the allegations.
Amid the fast-moving developments, sources indicated that five Congress MLAs from Tamil Nadu had been shifted to Hyderabad, fuelling speculation over possible attempts to secure alliance numbers ahead of government formation.
With the VCK’s support letter now formally in place, the decks appear clear for the formation of a new government in Tamil Nadu.
With inputs from agencies
