R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAY 7
Tamil Nadu’s political theatre entered a fresh phase of suspense and strategic manoeuvring on Thursday as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay once again met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake claim for forming the next government in the State.
The high-profile meeting at Raj Bhavan came barely a day after Vijay’s first attempt to secure an invitation to form the government reportedly failed to convince the Governor over the issue of majority support in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Sources indicated that the Governor sought documentary evidence proving support from at least 118 MLAs before taking a final decision on swearing-in and government formation. TVK, which emerged as the single largest party in its electoral debut, is still engaged in hectic efforts to bridge the crucial numbers gap.
The dramatic developments have transformed Chennai into the epicentre of intense political activity, with rival camps holding closed-door meetings, legislators being shifted to resorts, and smaller parties suddenly becoming kingmakers in a fractured mandate.
Congress Support Adds Momentum
In a major post-poll development, the Congress extended support to Vijay’s TVK, giving fresh momentum to the actor-politician’s ambitious push to occupy Fort St George. However, despite Congress backing, TVK reportedly still remains short of the majority mark, forcing the party to open channels with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Left parties and independents.
Political observers say Vijay’s aggressive second visit to the Governor signals that the TVK leadership is determined to project confidence and moral legitimacy as the single largest party in the Assembly.
The Governor, however, is learnt to have cited constitutional precedents and Supreme Court observations regarding majority proof before inviting a party to form the government.
Resort Politics Returns to Tamil Nadu
Amid the uncertainty, Tamil Nadu has also witnessed the return of classic “resort politics.” AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami reportedly held strategy discussions with party MLAs housed at a Puducherry resort, while simultaneously warning legislators against engaging with TVK emissaries.
The DMK too has entered intense consultation mode after the Congress decision to support TVK triggered visible unease within the outgoing ruling alliance. Senior DMK leaders accused Congress of “betraying” the alliance mandate, even as speculation swirled over possible realignments in Tamil Nadu’s rapidly changing political landscape.
Constitutional Debate Intensifies
The Governor’s reluctance to immediately invite Vijay to form the government has also sparked a wider constitutional and political debate.
Several opposition leaders and constitutional experts argued that the single largest party should be given the first opportunity to prove its majority on the floor of the House. Left parties and VCK leaders publicly backed Vijay’s claim and criticised any delay in the government formation process.
Political analysts say the unfolding developments could redefine Tamil Nadu’s political history, as TVK’s rise has already broken the decades-long dominance of the Dravidian majors in the State.
With the clock ticking and political camps working overtime to secure support, all eyes are now on Raj Bhavan and the next constitutional move that could decide who occupies the Chief Minister’s chair in Tamil Nadu.
