In what seems like an incredible climax to several days of political gridlock, TVK leader Vijay is all set to take oath as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. This development came after the crucial meeting at Lok Bhavan, when the actor-politician submitted the names of MLAs who were backing him.
However, sources at Lok Bhavan have indicated that Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is waiting for formal letters of support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) before proceeding.
During his meeting with the Governor on Friday evening, the TVK leader submitted a list featuring the signatures of 116 MLAs. While this brings him to the brink of the majority, he reportedly informed the Governor that the final, official communiqués from the VCK and IUML are on their way.
The Governor’s office is expected to hold off on an official announcement regarding the oath-taking ceremony until these documents are physically received and verified. Once the paperwork is in order, the transition of power is expected to move swiftly, bringing an end to the political uncertainty that has gripped the state since the election results were announced.
In a significant blow to the DMK, its long-standing allies — the VCK, CPI, and CPI(M) — reportedly defected to support Vijay. This consolidation was further bolstered late on Friday when the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) added its two seats to the tally. With TVK’s own 108 legislators joined by the Congress, the Left, VCK, and IUML, the new coalition now commands a comfortable 120 seats in the 234-member Assembly.
The road to the Raj Bhavan was far from smooth. This was Vijay’s third visit to the Governor in as many days; his previous two attempts were rebuffed by Arlekar, who had insisted on concrete proof of a majority.
The diplomatic heavy lifting appears to have been managed behind the scenes by the Congress leadership. Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly spearheaded the outreach to VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan and the IUML to get the numbers over the line. Reflecting the importance of the moment, both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are expected to attend the ceremony on Saturday morning.
The alliance has left the state’s political landscape in tatters. The Congress’s decision to back Vijay instead of their traditional partner, the DMK, has caused a bitter rift. Senior DMK figures have reacted with predictable fury, with some suggesting that the INDIA bloc has effectively ceased to exist in the wake of these post-poll manoeuvres.
Vijay, who achieved a remarkable debut by winning 108 seats and securing victories in both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East, will now have to vacate one of his seats in accordance with electoral rules. However, his immediate focus remains on Saturday’s ceremony, which marks the first time a cinema star has captured the Chief Minister’s office in such a short political window since the era of MGR.
Also read: TVK reaches majority mark of 118 as VCK, Left extend support