From fluctuating support numbers and delayed oath-taking speculation to resort politics, Governor meetings and last-minute alliance shifts, the race for Fort St. George witnessed rapid twists before VCK finally extended formal support to TVK.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s post-election political drama intensified through Friday and Saturday as uncertainty persisted over TVK chief Vijay forming the next government despite emerging as the single largest party. While IUML’s decision to deny support briefly pushed TVK below the majority mark, the final hurdle was cleared after VCK extended its backing, paving the way for TVK chief Vijay to take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Congress had earlier extended conditional support to TVK, distancing itself from longtime ally DMK in a major political shift. CPI and CPI(M) also backed Vijay’s bid to form the government while staying outside the cabinet. However, uncertainty resurfaced after IUML reportedly denied support, bringing TVK’s numbers below the crucial majority mark of 118 and casting doubts over the planned oath-taking ceremony.
Throughout the day, intense political negotiations unfolded across Chennai, Hyderabad and Puducherry. Congress MLAs were moved to Hyderabad, TVK legislators stayed at a Mahabalipuram resort and AIADMK legislators were briefly shifted to Puducherry amid fears of poaching and cross-voting. Reports also emerged of internal discussions within AIADMK, with some MLAs allegedly favouring support to TVK.
Adding to the twists, Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar multiple times to stake claim to form the government, but no official invitation was initially issued due to questions surrounding majority support. Opposition parties and Left leaders criticised the Governor, arguing that the majority should instead be tested on the Assembly floor. A petition was also moved in the Supreme Court challenging the delay in inviting TVK to form the government.
The breakthrough finally came on Saturday evening after VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan formally handed over a letter extending unconditional support to TVK, helping Vijay cross the majority mark. TVK leaders declared “victory” after the support letter was submitted, significantly clearing the path for government formation.
Congress had earlier extended conditional support to TVK, distancing itself from longtime ally DMK in a major political shift. CPI and CPI(M) also backed Vijay’s bid to form the government while staying outside the cabinet. However, uncertainty resurfaced after IUML reportedly denied support, bringing TVK’s numbers below the crucial majority mark of 118 and casting doubts over the planned oath-taking ceremony.
Throughout the day, intense political negotiations unfolded across Chennai, Hyderabad and Puducherry. Congress MLAs were moved to Hyderabad, TVK legislators stayed at a Mahabalipuram resort and AIADMK legislators were briefly shifted to Puducherry amid fears of poaching and cross-voting. Reports also emerged of internal discussions within AIADMK, with some MLAs allegedly favouring support to TVK.
Adding to the twists, Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar multiple times to stake claim to form the government, but no official invitation was initially issued due to questions surrounding majority support. Opposition parties and Left leaders criticised the Governor, arguing that the majority should instead be tested on the Assembly floor. A petition was also moved in the Supreme Court challenging the delay in inviting TVK to form the government.
The breakthrough finally came on Saturday evening after VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan formally handed over a letter extending unconditional support to TVK, helping Vijay cross the majority mark. TVK leaders declared “victory” after the support letter was submitted, significantly clearing the path for government formation.