Vijay's Right Hand Man Aadhav Arjuna Meets EPS Amid Rumours of AIADMK Split

In a rapidly evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, have intensified efforts to secure power following a remarkable debut in the Assembly elections.

Fresh developments suggest that Vijay's close aide Aadhav Arjuna held discussions with Edappadi K Palaniswami, the chief of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, India Today reported citing sources.

The outreach indicates a more structured attempt by TVK to gather the numbers required to form the government, especially as the party falls just short of the majority mark.

The political momentum follows speculation of split in the AIADMK. Reports indicate that a faction led by Rajya Sabha MP C V Shanmugam is open to extending support to a TVK-led government. This has fuelled discussions of a possible realignment in the state's political order, long dominated by Dravidian heavyweights.

Adding weight to these claims, a significant number of AIADMK legislators - nearly two-thirds of its newly elected MLAs - reportedly attended a meeting convened by Shanmugam in Chennai.

Reports in the Tamil media claim that around 35 MLAs participated, urging Palaniswami to consider supporting the TVK to ensure political stability. However, the party's official stance remains cautious. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan dismissed rumours of a split, maintaining that any decision would be taken by the party's high command

Speaking to reporters, he said, "... There is a moment of happening. Let us wait for the outcome. The high command will take a decision soon. What KC Venugopal said is also a lie. As per our sources, TVK has not yet reached out to any party. The lines of communication are open so let's wait for the outcome... There is no question of AIADMK splitting.

There is a momentum happening and the ball is in Mr Vijay's court. He has to take a conscious decision whether he wants to complete a term for five years or whether he wants to take many parties into confidence... The Governor has asked for clarity from TVK and we will wait for the party to respond..."

Meanwhile, individual leaders have hinted at ongoing discussions. AIADMK's Lalgudi MLA Leema Rose Martin confirmed that talks between Palaniswami and TVK were underway, signalling that backchannel negotiations may already be in motion.
Despite its impressive performance, TVK needs 10 more seats to prove its majority in the 234-member assembly.

The party secured 108 seats, an extraordinary feat for a first-time contender. The results, declared by the Election Commission of India on May 4, placed TVK ahead of both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which won 59 seats, and the AIADMK, was reduced to 47 seats.

To bridge the gap, TVK has broadened its outreach beyond AIADMK. The Indian National Congress, which secured five seats, has already extended support. Discussions are also reportedly underway with Left parties and regional outfits such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, indicating a multi-pronged strategy to secure a working majority.

Amid these negotiations, Vijay has formally staked claim to form the government. In a letter to Governor R N Ravi (note: some reports refer to Rajendra Arlekar in related contexts), he asserted that TVK would demonstrate its majority on the Assembly floor within two weeks if invited to form the government.