Tamil Nadu govt formation highlights: TVK's CTR Nirmal Kumar meets CPM leaders as party seeks majority support

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Thursday is considering a dramatic political move amid the ongoing deadlock over government formation in Tamil Nadu. Party sources said all 107 TVK MLAs may resign if either the DMK or AIADMK attempts to stake claim to form the government despite TVK emerging as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The development comes as tensions continue over the Governor’s delay in inviting Vijay to form the government.

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AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami held a meeting with the newly elected MLAs from Tamil Nadu at a private resort near Ariyankuppam on the outskirts of Puducherry. Nearly 40 legislators were present at the meeting, which lasted nearly one hour. Party sources said that Palaniswami asked the MLAs-elect to remain united and be patient.

In a significant political development, AIADMK leader C V Shanmugam has resigned from his Rajya Sabha seat. The former minister confirmed the move in the national capital on Thursday, shortly after submitting his resignation to the competent authority. "I have sent my resignation. I have resigned from my position. Thank you," he told reporters, declining to elaborate.

The DMK on Thursday slammed the Congress for exiting the party-led alliance and accused it of "backstabbing" the DMK and betraying Tamil Nadu, despite party chief M K Stalin displaying maturity and conducting in a responsible manner. Condemning the Congress for severing ties with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and entering into a post-poll pact with the fledgling TVK, the DMK said the grand old party's decision to walk out of the alliance was strongly condemnable.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday conveyed to TVK chief Vijay that his party does not have the requisite support to form the government and the fledgling party simultaneously stepped up its efforts to convince the Left parties, VCK and the IUML to rope them in to shore up numbers. They are expected to spell out their stand on the matter within two days. The parties in contention wanted the governor to invite TVK to form government. They are likely to extend support, considering Vijay is open to accommodate prospective allies in his cabinet.

CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby today called upon Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to uphold democratic conventions by inviting the TVK to form the government as it was the single largest party in a fractured assembly. Speaking on the political impasse in Tamil Nadu, the CPI (M) top leader argued that in the absence of a clear majority or a pre-poll alliance reaching the magic number, constitutional precedent dictates that the leader of the largest party be sworn in. He cited the 1996 invitation to BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a historical parallel.

TVK leader CTR Nirmal Kumar arrived at the CPM office today as the party continued its efforts to secure the numbers needed for government formation. TVK is trying to reach the crucial figure of 118 MLAs with the support of two VCK legislators and four MLAs from the Left bloc. The discussions are expected to shape the next phase of political negotiations in the state.

Following TVK chief Vijay’s meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Lok Bhavan issued a statement saying that the required majority support needed to form the government had not yet been established.

“During the meeting, the Hon’ble Governor explained that the requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, essential for forming the Government, has not been established,” the statement said.

Tamil Nadu Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar alleged that Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was acting at the behest of the BJP amid the ongoing deadlock over government formation in the state.

He said the Congress would challenge the matter both politically and legally. “The Tamil Nadu Governor is acting on the directions of the BJP. We will fight this politically as well as legally,” Chodankar said.

Leaders of the CPI, CPM and VCK met in Chennai on Thursday amid ongoing political developments in Tamil Nadu, as TVK intensified efforts to gather support and stake claim to form the government in the state.

Amid the ongoing deadlock over government formation in Tamil Nadu, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has reportedly made it clear to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay that he would be allowed to take oath as Chief Minister only after proving majority support in the Assembly.

According to sources cited by ANI, the Governor conveyed that he wants a stable government in the state and would wait until the required numbers are formally established.

Vijay met Governor Arlekar on Thursday as part of his efforts to stake claim to form the government. During the meeting, the TVK chief reportedly argued that, as the leader of the single largest party in the Assembly, he should be invited to take oath as Chief Minister. Read more

Actor and politician Kamal Haasan said that not inviting TVK chief Vijay to form the government despite his party emerging as the single largest formation would amount to disrespecting the mandate given by the people of Tamil Nadu.

“The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by Vijay, has won 108 seats. Not inviting him to form the government would amount to disrespecting the mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu,” Haasan said.

He further pointed out that 233 elected members were still unable to take oath due to the delay in government formation.

“This is an insult to the state and damage to democracy,” he added.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty over government formation in Tamil Nadu, sources said TVK chief Vijay can take oath as Chief Minister only after proving that he has the required numbers to secure a majority in the Assembly.

According to sources, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is keen on ensuring a stable government in the state and has conveyed that the swearing in can take place once the majority support is formally established.

Amid continuing suspense over TVK chief Vijay’s swearing in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, police security has been intensified at Chennai’s Marina Beach.

According to sources, the police have grown concerned after several social media posts suggested that large numbers of youths could gather at Marina Beach to stage protests if there is further delay in the government formation process.

The party noted that Vijay had already met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and staked claim to form the government.

The CPI further said it would be unfair for the Governor to insist that TVK prove its majority before the swearing-in ceremony and argued that the party should instead be given an opportunity to establish its strength on the floor of the House.

The party also cited several Supreme Court judgments, saying constitutional precedents clearly support allowing the single largest party to form the government and prove its majority during a floor test.

After the VCK, the CPI has also urged the Tamil Nadu Governor to allow TVK chief Vijay to take oath as Chief Minister on the grounds that his party has emerged as the single largest formation in the Assembly.

The CPI said the Governor must act in accordance with the Constitution and pointed out that although the people of Tamil Nadu had not delivered a clear majority to any party, TVK had emerged with 108 seats.

TVK chief Vijay, during his meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday, reportedly asserted that he should be given the opportunity to take oath as Chief Minister on the basis of leading the single largest party in the Assembly, sources said.

According to sources, Vijay told the Governor that the issue of proving majority support could be settled on the floor of the House and assured that his party would demonstrate its numbers during the Assembly session.

TVK General Secretary N Anand arrived at Tamil Nadu Lok Bhavan as party chief Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar amid ongoing discussions over government formation in the state.

TVK chief Vijay is meeting Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan amid ongoing efforts to form the government in the state. This is his second meeting in as many days.

TVK emerged as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections after winning 108 of the 234 seats. The Congress, which secured 5 seats, has extended full support to Vijay’s party in its bid to form the government.

TVK chief Vijay has left his residence for a key meeting with his newly elected MLAs in Panayur ahead of his likely meeting with Governor Arlekar at 11 am amid efforts to form the government in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, suspense remains over TVK's alliance, besides with Congress, as the party has fallen short of the majority mark of 118.

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticised the Tamil Nadu Governor for not immediately inviting the single largest party, TVK, to form the government, calling it a departure from established constitutional norms and precedents.

"I must say with great regret that the Governor, who is expected to be the repository of constitutional wisdom, has no option but to invite the single largest party in Tamil Nadu to form the government. There should be no doubt about it," Singhvi said.

He argued that constitutional practice, legal precedent and political tradition all support giving the first opportunity to the single largest party to prove its majority.

“In law, precedent, tradition and constitutional culture, this has happened countless times in the past. Moreover, no other alliance or formation has even staked claim to form the government,” he said.

Singhvi pointed out that the shortfall in numbers was only around 7 to 8 seats and noted that the Governor could always ask the party to prove its majority on the floor of the House within 10 to 12 days.

"So what is the problem? This kind of dilution and destruction of constitutional conventions and precedents is highly condemnable, and I say this with deep regret. The invitation should have been extended long ago,” he added.

TVK leaders and workers have started gathering at the party headquarters in Chennai amid the ongoing political developments in Tamil Nadu. Expressing confidence over government formation, TVK Fisheries Department District Secretary Ganeshan said the “Vijay wave” had swept across the state from Chennai to Kanyakumari.

"Leaders from different political parties spoke about the rise of TVK but doubted whether it could win. Today, the people have delivered their verdict by giving 108 seats to TVK,” he said.

Ganeshan further asserted that the party was fully confident of forming the government in Tamil Nadu.

"Our leader Vijay will definitely become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and he will remain the Chief Minister forever,” he added.

TVK chief Vijay is likely to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at 11 am today, sources said, amid ongoing efforts by the party to form the government in the state.

Sources also indicated that Governor Arlekar is currently not travelling to Kerala, contrary to earlier reports. TVK emerged as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections after winning 108 of the 234 seats. The Congress, which secured 5 seats, has extended full support to Vijay's party in its bid to form the government.

The political developments come amid uncertainty over government formation, with TVK continuing talks to secure the required majority in the Assembly.

A fan offered prayers outside TVK chief Vijay’s residence and expressed confidence that the actor-turned-politician would become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu despite the ongoing political uncertainty.

“He will definitely become the Chief Minister. News channels may say many things, but there is no doubt that he will take the position. No matter how many obstacles come his way, he will overcome them and move forward,” the supporter said.

Expressing disappointment over the situation outside Vijay’s residence, the fan added, “I feel deeply hurt. There is not even a single police officer here. I don’t even know what to say. It feels very strange. After struggling so much to come this far, it is painful to see people doing such things.”

As TVK reached out to VCK seeking support for government formation in Tamil Nadu, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi indicated that it wants its chief Thol Thirumavalavan to be projected as the Chief Ministerial face.

TVK has reportedly written to VCK leader Thirumavalavan, appealing for the party’s support amid the ongoing political uncertainty in the state.

Reacting to the development, VCK general secretary Sinthanai Selvan said the Dravidian parties should come forward to make Thirumavalavan the Chief Minister.

He further stated that if Thirumavalavan is projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate, both the major Dravidian parties could unite.

Outgoing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday said the DMK would wait for TVK chief C Joseph Vijay to form the government and would “watch without disturbing for six months”.

Speaking to TOI, Stalin indicated that the DMK was keen to avoid a constitutional crisis or the possibility of another election in the near future.

He also expressed hope that the new government would continue the welfare schemes introduced by the DMK regime while implementing the promises made by TVK in its election manifesto.

Following the Governor's stand, TVK is said to be considering seeking legal opinion on the matter.

Meanwhile, the DMK has called a meeting of its legislative party today to discuss the selection of the leader of opposition and chalk out the party's future strategy.

The Congress accused Governor Arlekar of not fulfilling his constitutional responsibility, arguing that the leader of the single largest party should be invited to form the government.

The party alleged that Vijay was being unnecessarily pressured in the name of proving majority support.

Amid fears of possible defections, the AIADMK late on Wednesday night shifted its MLAs to a resort in Puducherry.

Party leaders are reportedly concerned that some legislators may break ranks and extend support to TVK during the ongoing political uncertainty.

Governor Arlekar, who also holds an additional charge of Tamil Nadu besides serving as the Governor of Kerala, is travelling to Kerala today.

TVK has so far submitted letters of support from 112 MLAs to the Governor, including backing from 5 Congress legislators. Since Vijay won from two constituencies, the party's effective strength comes down to 107.

Sources said TVK is currently in talks with VCK, PMK and Left parties to secure further support, though the process may take time.

The swearing-in ceremony of TVK chief Vijay as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has been postponed after Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar reportedly asked the party to submit letters of support from 118 MLAs required for a simple majority in the Assembly.

Following the developments, the convoy security provided to Vijay by the government has reportedly been withdrawn.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has called a meeting of all its MLAs at the party headquarters in Panaiyur at 11 am on Thursday amid the ongoing political developments in Tamil Nadu.

According to sources, senior party leader B Anand is expected to brief the legislators on the current political situation and the party's strategy going forward. The meeting comes at a crucial time as TVK intensifies efforts to secure enough support to form the government in the state.