Vijay Appointed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister After Securing Coalition Support

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay was appointed Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Saturday after demonstrating majority support from 120 legislators, following five days of negotiations with coalition partners. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar accepted Vijay's claim to form the government after receiving written assurances from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

Vijay's TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling short of the 118 majority mark. He secured Congress's five MLAs, CPI and CPI(M) with two each, and later gained VCK's backing to reach 118. IUML's support raised the alliance's strength to 120. Vijay, elected from two constituencies, will vacate one seat.

The Governor rejected Vijay's earlier attempts to form a government on Wednesday and Thursday, citing insufficient proof of majority. After VCK and IUML announced support on Saturday, Vijay submitted formal letters of backing from party leaders during his fourth meeting with the Governor. Congress Tamil Nadu chief K Selvaperunthagai and CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam accompanied him.

Vijay will take the oath of office at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The Governor has directed him to seek a vote of confidence in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on or before May 13.