Ex-Union Law Minister Urges Tamil Nadu Governor to Invite Vijay for Floor Test

Former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar on Thursday urged the Tamil Nadu Governor to invite Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C. Joseph Vijay to form the government and prove his majority on the floor of the State Assembly. Kumar said constitutional conventions and judicial precedents require that a claimant with majority support be given the opportunity to demonstrate it in the Assembly.
Kumar stated that Vijay, backed by six MLAs, holds a clear path to majority and that the Governor's hesitation constitutes a delay tactic undermining the people's mandate. He dismissed the Governor's cited 'due process' argument as a pretext, calling the delay in swearing-in a 'political outrage and constitutional heresy.'
The former minister emphasized that the Governor's constitutional role is to facilitate, not obstruct, government formation in line with legislative support. He said constitutional conscience must prevail over technicalities, especially when a clear majority is emerging.
Kumar's statement intensifies pressure on the Governor amid a standoff over government formation following the Assembly elections. The Governor's office has not yet confirmed when or if Vijay will be invited to form the government.