A day after actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay led his party to emerge as the largest force in Tamil Nadu, efforts to form the next government gathered pace with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam reaching out to the Indian National Congress for support.
Congress Confirms Outreach
Senior Congress leader K. C. Venugopal confirmed that Vijay has initiated contact seeking backing to cross the majority mark. Responding to the development, Venugopal underscored the party’s position, stating, “The mandate in Tamil Nadu is for a secular government, committed to protecting the Constitution, letter and spirit.”
Clear Stand Against BJP
He further added that the Congress does not want the Bharatiya Janata Party or its allies to form the government in the state. “The Congress is determined not to have the BJP or its proxies run Tamil Nadu. The final call will be taken by the state unit, keeping in mind the people’s verdict,” he said.
Numbers Game in Focus
TVK, which secured 108 seats in the Assembly, is just short of the majority mark and requires additional support to form the government. The Congress, which won a handful of seats as part of an alliance, could play a key role in government formation.
Vijay Elected Legislature Leader
Meanwhile, TVK has formally chosen Vijay as its Legislature Party leader, strengthening his claim to lead the next government. The party is now preparing to formally approach the Governor to stake claim.
Governor’s Role Crucial
Governor R. N. Ravi is expected to assess the situation and may ask Vijay to demonstrate majority support. This could involve submitting letters of backing from supporting legislators or proving strength through a floor test in the Assembly.
Political Negotiations Intensify
With no party securing a clear majority, backchannel discussions are expected to intensify in the coming days. The outcome will determine whether Tamil Nadu sees a new political alignment after decades of dominance by established regional players.
