VCK backs Vijay's TVK to form government in Tamil Nadu

VCK give uncondtional support to TVK to form government in Tamil Nadu, VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan gives the official confirmation letter to TVK General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna. TVK has crossed majority mark with 119 MLAs.

After days of high-stakes political suspense in Tamil Nadu, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) offers support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form a government in Tamil Nadu.

VCK President Thol. Thirumavalavan formally handed over the party's official letter of support to Aadhav Arjuna, General Secretary and Election Campaign Manager of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The development comes as a major breakthrough for actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK, pushing it past the magic majority mark of 118 seats needed to form the government in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

VCK’s unconditional external support, along with backing from the CPI and CPI(M), clears the path for TVK to stake a claim and form the next government, bringing an end to the intense negotiations and political drama.

TVK crosses majority mark

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has won two seats in the assembly polls. TVK, which needed the support of 118 MLAs to form the government, was just short of one MLA.
The CPI and CPI(M), which have two seats each, and Congress, with five seats, had already extended their support to the Vijay-led TVK to move forward with a change from the traditional Dravidian DMK-AIADMK duopoly.

TVK Chief Vijay made several rounds to Raj Bhavan since Wednesday and met the Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu, but the Governor refused to invite him to form the government, citing lack of clear proof of majority.

The Governor’s office reportedly insisted that Vijay must submit signed letters of support from at least 118 MLAs before any invitation is extended.

With VCK’s backing now official, TVK, which won 108 seats, has crossed the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

Once the letters are submitted and verified, Governor Arlekar is likely to invite Vijay to form the government and prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.

Deputy CM post for VCK?

The development comes after VCK’s reported push for the Deputy Chief Minister post, as per an IANS report.

The report also suggests that, in seeking a share in power, the VCK leadership is also understood to have raised several policy-related demands during the virtual discussions.
It is also speculated that Thirumavalavan could contest a by-election from Tiruchirapalli East if the seat falls vacant.

TVK chief Vijay, who won from two constituencies in the Assembly election, is expected to retain the Perambur seat in Chennai, which could pave the way for a bypoll in Tiruchirapalli East.

These reportedly include the continuation of commissions constituted by the previous government to probe caste killings and the implementation of reservations in promotions for Dalits in government jobs.

Tamil Nadu, which has been gripped by uncertainty since the April 23 Assembly election threw up a hung verdict, now appears to be moving decisively towards a new government under TVK. 

Meanwhile, VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan clarified to these reports saying, "It's not true. Our CPI leaders and CPI(M) leaders or us here - the three parties discussed and decided to support him (TVK chief Vijay) without any commitments...It's all rumours. It's not correct. People have to decide who can become the Chief Minister..."

He also said the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) partners are still with DMK and the sole 'unconditional' support to TVK was to avoid president's rule in the state. 

(with agencies input)