The path to power for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has hit a temporary snag, with party chief Vijay unlikely to take the oath of office this Thursday. Despite a stunning debut that effectively dismantled the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK, the actor-turned-politician is still working to shore up the numbers needed to cross the majority threshold in the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly.
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Sources suggest that Governor Rajendra Arlekar remains unconvinced by the current tallies and has reportedly asked him to prove majority by tonight. TVK secured 108 seats in the election, leaving them ten short of the 118-seat majority mark. The gap has effectively widened to eleven, as Vijay, who triumphed in both Tiruchirapalli East and Perambur, must vacate one of his seats, bringing the partyโs standing strength to 107.
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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the stateโs political establishment, the Congress party has broken ranks with its long-time ally, the DMK, to back the newcomer. Following a high-level meeting at TVK headquarters, Tamil Nadu Congress President K. Selvaperunthagai confirmed that the partyโs five MLAs would support Vijayโs government. This pivot brings the coalitionโs total to 113โstill five seats shy of the magic number.
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The DMK has reacted with predictable fury. Spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai slammed the Congress for a “myopic” betrayal of the INDIA alliance, warning that the party has branded itself an unreliable partner ahead of the 2029 national elections.
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Vijay met with the Governor at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday evening to formally stake his claim, but the atmosphere remains one of intense negotiation. To find the final five votes, TVK has reportedly opened channels with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. While the Governor has acknowledged the formal letter of intent, the coronation of Tamil Naduโs newest political force is currently hanging in the balance as the horse-trading continues behind closed doors.
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Also read: Victorious Vijay faces uncertainties
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