The CPI and CPI(M) state secretariat meetings commenced in Chennai on Friday to discuss their stance on government formation in Tamil Nadu, following the fractured mandate in the Assembly elections. No party or front has secured a majority in the elections.

The meetings will consider two possibilities: extending support to a government formed by the AIADMK with outside backing from the DMK, or backing the TVK, which has emerged as the largest single party with 108 seats.

According to sources, the Left parties are unlikely to support an AIADMK government. However, the TVK can stake a claim to form the government only if the Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) extend letters of support.

The State secretariat meeting of the Left parties will be followed by a discussion in their respective state committees at 2:30 p.m. The outcome of these meetings is expected to influence the VCK's decision on the issue.

The immediate next steps will involve the Left parties' state committees discussing the matter, and the VCK's decision will depend on the outcome of these discussions. The formation of the government in Tamil Nadu is expected to become clearer in the coming days, with the TVK and AIADMK awaiting the support of other parties to stake their claim.