Vijay Seeks Support from VCK to Form Tamil Nadu Government

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has failed to secure the 118-member majority in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly needed to form the state government, leaving his claim in limbo. Governor RV Arlekar has not issued an oath-taking invitation, citing lack of verifiable support from elected MLAs despite three rounds of discussions at Raj Bhavan.

TVK won 108 seats in the recent election, becoming the single largest party and breaking the 62-year hold of Dravidian parties DMK and AIADMK. With Vijay winning two constituencies, the party has 107 MLAs; Congress supports with five, and CPI-CPM together back with four, bringing Vijay's total to 116 — two short of the halfway mark.

Last-minute negotiations with AMMK and IUML failed, as both parties declined support. The focus now rests on the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which holds two seats; its leader Thol Thirumavalavan is in talks with both TVK and DMK. A decision from VCK is expected today.

The Governor has insisted on written proof of support from individual MLAs before inviting any leader to form the government. Without VCK's backing or defections from other parties, Vijay cannot meet the threshold.

The VCK is expected to announce its stance later today, after which Vijay or another claimant may approach the Governor with a formal proposal. The Assembly's first session is scheduled next week.