TVK Chief Vijay Leaves Lok Bhavan After Meeting Governor

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) secures the largest bloc in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly, triggering discussions on government formation. With 108 seats and Congress backing, the Governor faces decisions on inviting Vijay to form the government as floor tests approach.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Thursday met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake claim to form the next state government.

According to ANI, the Governor asked Vijay to proof of his numbers only then he can take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

"Vijay can take the oath only after the numbers are proven. Tamil Nadu Governor wants a stable government in the state. As soon as the numbers are proven, Vijay can take the oath," ANI quoted sources in a tweet.

During the Thursday meeting, the Governor asked several questions including how Vijay might run the administration with 113 MLAs, NDTV reported citing sources.

The TVK chief reportedly told the Governor that he was ready for the floor test when he was asked by the latter about the possible support his party might get in future.

A day ago, Vijay had met the Governor who was not convinced that the TVK has the numbers yet to form the government. Today, he is submitting a fresh letter, seeking permission to take oath first, as a single largest party, while assuring that he would prove his majority within the time frame set by the Governor.

On Wednesday, Vijay had presented the letter of support from 112 MLAs, including Congress members. However, the Governor reportedly asked for backing from six additional MLAs to establish a clear majority.

Reports indicate that the revised letter removes references to Congress support, as TVK continues efforts to secure the required numbers. The new draft also corrects spelling and drafting errors found in the earlier submission.

TVK has emerged as the single-largest party after the recent assembly elections and waits for a formal invitation.

TVK secured 108 of the 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, placing the party ahead of both Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Actor-turned-politician Vijay leads the party in its debut electoral contest, which shifts the balance in state politics.

The election outcome ends the DMK-AIADMK duopoly that shapes Tamil Nadu politics for about three decades. DMK finishes with 59 seats, while AIADMK wins 47 seats. With Vijay deciding to vacate one of the two constituencies, TVK’s working strength in the assembly will stand at 107 seats.

The detailed seat distribution in the 234-member house is as follows:

However, Congress has formally extended full support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and Vijay for forming the government.

The TVK has approached the VCK and Left parties. However, these parties are yet to take a call.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK, which was interested initially to extend support, backed out of having talks as the TVK started meeting smaller parties. It has now shifted its legislators to a resort in Puducherry to avoid being poached by the TVK.