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Congress Backs Vijay's TVK to Form Government in Tamil Nadu with Conditions

The Congress party has formally announced its conditional support to actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the next government in Tamil Nadu. The support is contingent on TVK keeping "communal forces" away from the alliance, in an apparent reference to the BJP. TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling 10 seats short of a majority. The Congress, which won five seats, could play a key role in helping Vijay stake a claim to form the government.

Key Points: Congress Supports Vijay's TVK for TN Govt with Conditions

  • Congress extends conditional support to Vijay's TVK
  • TVK secured 108 seats in 234-member Assembly
  • Support depends on keeping communal forces out
  • Congress won 5 seats in DMK-led alliance
2 min read

Congress extends conditional support to Vijay's TVK to form govt in TN

Congress announces conditional support to Vijay's TVK to form government in Tamil Nadu, seeking to keep communal forces away from the alliance.

"The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party have decided to extend full support to the TVK to form the government. - Congress statement"

Chennai, May 6

The Congress party on Wednesday formally announced its support to actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to form the next government in Tamil Nadu, while making it clear that the backing would remain conditional on keeping "communal forces" away from the alliance.

A statement issued by Congress' Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar said TVK President C. Vijay had officially sought the party's support after emerging as the single largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections. The Congress described the electoral verdict as a strong mandate for a "secular, progressive and welfare-oriented government" rooted in constitutional values.

The party said the people of Tamil Nadu, especially the youth, had chosen TVK and Vijay to lead the state. "The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party have decided to extend full support to the TVK to form the government," the statement said.

However, the Congress underlined that its support would depend on TVK ensuring that "communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India" are kept out of the proposed alliance, an apparent reference to the BJP and its allies.

The development assumes significance as TVK, contesting its maiden Assembly election, secured 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, falling short of the majority mark of 118 seats by just 10 seats.

The Congress, which won five seats as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, could play a key role in helping Vijay stake a claim to form the government.

The statement further said the alliance between TVK and the Congress party would seek to revive the legacy of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj while remaining committed to the social justice ideals of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and the constitutional vision of Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

Calling the understanding between the two parties a "historic responsibility", Congress said the partnership was not limited to government formation alone but would also continue into future local body, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections.

The statement also said Vijay and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were committed to respecting the people's verdict and fulfilling the aspirations of Tamil Nadu, particularly those of the youth.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Conditional support is very clever by Congress. They want to be part of the government but are keeping their options open. Vijay needs to be careful though - running a state is very different from acting in films. The people of TN have given him a chance, hope he doesn't disappoint. Periyar's ideals and Ambedkar's vision are good foundations. 😊
J
James A
Interesting coalition dynamics here. Congress supporting TVK but with conditions to exclude BJP-aligned parties seems like they're trying to shape the alliance from the outside. Can't blame them after what happened in other states where pre-poll alliances fell apart. Vijay has a real chance to prove that new political forces can bring fresh governance. Hope he focuses on Tamil Nadu's development.
S
Siddharth J
This is a huge gamble for Congress. TVK has no track record of governance - only a star campaign and youth appeal. Conditional support might look shrewd now but if TVK falters, Congress will share the blame. Also, why is Congress always playing second fiddle in TN alliances? DMK, now TVK... when will they lead from the front? Food for thought for the high command! 🧐
K
Kavya N
As a Chennai girl, I'm cautiously optimistic. Vijay's rise shows that people are tired of traditional dynasty politics. The condition about "communal forces" is necessary - we need to protect the secular fabric of Tamil society. But I'm worried about inexperience. Hope Vijay appoints good advisors and doesn't become a puppet of any group. Kamaraj legacy is a big shoes to fill! 👟
R
Ravi K

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