Star Politician Vijay Meets Governor, Seeks Invitation To Form Government

CHENNAI – Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor turned politician C. Joseph Vijay, on May 6, formally staked a claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu after his party emerged as the single largest party in the 234 member Assembly.

Vijay arrived at Raj Bhavan to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar amid heightened political activity over government formation.

According to sources, Vijay submitted a formal letter to Arlekar seeking an invitation to form the government and assured him that the party would prove its majority on the floor of the Assembly within the stipulated time.

TVK made a strong electoral debut by winning 108 seats in the recently concluded Assembly elections, emerging as the single largest party in the state. However, it fell short of the halfway mark of 118 seats required to form a government on its own.

On May 5, TVK legislators unanimously elected Vijay as the leader of the legislative party, paving the way for him to stake a claim before the Governor.

Meanwhile, political activity has intensified in Chennai, with several parties weighing their options in the post poll scenario. The Congress has extended conditional support to TVK, while Left parties and smaller regional outfits are expected to hold discussions before taking a final decision on supporting a Vijay led government.

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which suffered a setback in the elections, has also begun internal consultations, and some reports indicate it is in talks with arch rival AIADMK.

For Governor Arlekar, the days following the May 4 Assembly results have become a constitutional balancing act across two states. Holding additional charge of Tamil Nadu while serving as Governor of Kerala, he now finds himself at the center of government formation in both capitals, each presenting a sharply different situation.

In Kerala, the path appears straightforward. The Congress led United Democratic Front has secured a clear mandate, leaving little ambiguity about who should be invited to form the government.

The situation in Tamil Nadu, however, is more complex. It places Arlekar in a uniquely demanding position that calls for adherence to established conventions as well as the ability to navigate political uncertainty. (IANS)