Tamil Nadu Government Formation: VCK, IUML Extend Unconditional Support to TVK

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Thol. Thirumavalavan and Indian Union Muslim League national president K.M. Kader Mohideen on Saturday extended unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to form the government in Tamil Nadu. In identically worded letters addressed to the Governor, both leaders stated their respective parties extended unconditional support to the TVK, under the leadership of party president C. Joseph Vijay.

The VCK and IUML have two MLAs-elect each, having contested as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The letter of support from the IUML came as a surprise, given the party's previous statements about remaining within the DMK-led alliance.

With the backing of the VCK and the IUML, the TVK now has the support of 120 MLAs-elect, two more than the majority mark of 118 in the 234-member House. The TVK, which won 108 seats, had already secured the support of five Congress MLAs-elect and two each from the CPI and the CPI(M).

The Governor will now consider the letters of support and the majority claim by TVK to decide on the next steps for government formation in Tamil Nadu. The outcome is expected to be announced shortly, with the new government likely to be sworn in soon.