Vijay gets majority, albeit wafer thin, as VCK and IUML back TVK to form govt

The ambiguity surrounding the establishment of a government in Tamil Nadu came to an end on Saturday (May 9) following almost a weeklong turmoil, as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) provided "unconditional support" to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Vijay, allowing it to surpass the necessary numbers to form a government.

However, the party secured only a slim majority of 120 in the 234-member Assembly.

Also read: From silver screen to state Secretariat: The stunning rise of CM Vijay

The suspense ended when the VCK, led by Thol. Thirumavalavan and has two seats, finally extended support after keeping the TVK on tenterhooks and the political circles abuzz over its stand.

The VCK, a long-time ally of the Left parties that had extended support to Vijay on Friday (May 8) with their four MLAs, had earlier announced its decision would be in sync with their stand.

Shortly after VCK's decision to back Vijay, the IUML also extended support to TVK.

Both the VCK and IUML, which have been part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance, have two MLAs each.

The Congress also backed the TVK with its five MLAs.

TN governor accused of harassing Vijay

With the consolidated support, Vijay on Saturday evening set off to the Lok Bhavan to meet Governor Rajendra Arelkar, but had to turn back as he reportedly did not get an appointment. CPI State Secretary M Veerapandian slammed the governor for "harassing" Vijay.

After the Left parties declared unconditional support to TVK to form the government, asserting it was to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) backdoor entry through the governor and to respect the people's mandate, Thirumavalavan immediately went into a huddle with his party office-bearers through videoconferencing on Friday.

Also read: Stalin says DMK respects allies’ move to support Vijay's TVK after hung verdict

While it was expected that the VCK would announce its stand on Saturday morning, the party revealed its decision later in the day. There were unverified reports of some hard bargaining between the TVK and VCK, possibly over ministerial allocations, but there was no official confirmation from either side.

Vijay, however, has been open to accommodating allies in his cabinet, in sync with the VCK's stated position of power-sharing.

In a return of "resort politics" — last seen in Tamil Nadu after the demise of AIADMK matriarch and former chief minister J Jayalalithaa in 2016, the five Congress MLAs were now in Hyderabad and TVK legislators were in a resort/hotel in Mamallapuram near Chennai.

While MLAs of the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have returned to Chennai from Puducherry, its chief Edappadi K Palaniswami has greeted the "party that is set to form the government".

At a time when claims were doing the rounds that the VCK is eyeing plum posts, including that of the deputy CM in the Cabinet to be helmed by Vijay, party leader SS Balaji said the VCK has the liberty to decide its will and convenience.

"Why is so much fuss made and pressure exerted on us," he asked.

VCK leader Vanniarasu, a close aide of the party founder, had already given a clear indication that the party was keen on getting a share in power.

AMMK accuses TVK of horse-trading

Meanwhile, the TVK faced serious allegations when Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance, accused it of an alleged bid aimed at horse-trading.

Meanwhile, the AMMK has lodged a complaint with the Guindy police in Chennai against the TVK, alleging the use of a "forged" support letter to stake a claim for government formation. According to Guindy police, a petition has been received from AMMK General Secretary T T V Dhinakaran.

Also read: Vijay doesn't have to 'prove' his majority since Constitution never asked him to

Speaking to reporters, the AMMK chief accused the TVK of submitting a photocopy of a forged letter to Arlekar, falsely claiming the support of AMMK’s lone MLA-elect from Mannargudi, S Kamaraj.

"The TVK, which claims to be a pure force, has indulged in forgery and horse-trading," Dhinakaran lashed out at a press conference.

He also questioned why the original letter, allegedly providing support from AMMK to TVK, was not submitted to the governor by Vijay's party and warned of legal action on the issue.

He alleged that the party attempted to bypass the anti-defection law by fabricating support. He also revealed that Kamaraj was "shocked" to see the forged document used in his name. On Friday, Dhinakaran formally extended the AMMK's support to Palaniswami.

The TVK dismissed the allegations as "false news," releasing a counter-video purportedly showing MLA Kamaraj signing the "support letter" voluntarily.

The Guindy police are expected to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the petition before deciding on the registration of an FIR.

The TVK won 108 seats in the April 23 elections in Tamil Nadu, which is 10 short of a majority mark of 118.

Vijay, who has won from two segments, has to resign from one of them, bringing down the party's strength to 107.

Support from parties such as the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and the IUML added 13 more to the figure, taking it to 120.

(With agency inputs)