Chennai, May 9: C. Joseph Vijay, leader of the Tamilga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has taken a significant step towards forming the government in Tamil Nadu by securing the support of 120 MLAs. This development has paved the way for Vijay to become the next Chief Minister, surpassing the majority mark in the 234-member assembly.
The recent backing for TVK came from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). IUML’s legislative party leader SSB Syed Farooq Basha and deputy leader A.M. Shahjahan formally announced their support to the TVK government by submitting a signed letter to Governor-in-charge Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
Earlier, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) also declared its support for Vijay, enabling TVK to gather the necessary numbers for government formation.
According to the latest figures, TVK now enjoys the backing of 120 MLAs, including 108 from TVK, 5 from Congress, 2 each from CPI and CPM, and 2 from VCK and IUML.
Voting for all 234 assembly seats took place in a single phase on April 23, with a tough competition observed among DMK, AIADMK, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and TVK.
In the results declared on May 4, TVK emerged as the largest party, winning 108 seats. However, following Vijay’s decision to retain one of the two seats he won, the effective number for the party stands at 107.
Political activities in Chennai have intensified since the election results, with TVK reaching out to several parties for support. CPI and CPM were the first to announce their backing for Vijay, followed by Congress, and now with the support of VCK and IUML, Vijay has easily crossed the majority threshold.
Sources indicate that Vijay has requested an immediate meeting with Governor Arlekar, who is set to leave for Kerala soon. TVK leadership may formally present their claim to form the government by submitting letters of support from allied parties.
TVK General Secretary Adhar Arjuna stated to reporters that Vijay is expected to take the oath as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu soon.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.