Vijay Inches Closer to Power as Left Parties Back TVK in Tamil Nadu

Actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has secured the support of the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India-Marxist, bringing it closer to forming the next government. With nine additional MLAs from Congress, CPI, and CPI-M backing the TVK, the party now requires just two more seats to reach the majority mark of 118. Left party leaders clarified they would not join the cabinet but would support from outside to ensure a democratic government is formed. The development comes after Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar refused Vijay's request to form the government, prompting protests from Congress cadres and a call from outgoing CM M.K. Stalin to follow constitutional norms.

Key Points: Vijay Nears Majority as Left Parties Back TVK

  • Vijay's TVK wins 108 seats as single largest party
  • CPI and CPI-M extend unconditional support
  • TVK needs 2 more MLAs for majority of 118
  • Congress cadres protest Governor for rejecting Vijay's claim
2 min read

Vijay inches closer to power in Tamil Nadu as now Left parties back TVK too

Actor-politician Vijay's TVK gets support from CPI and CPI-M, now needs 2 more MLAs to form government in Tamil Nadu after winning 108 seats.

"We will not be part of the Cabinet. Our support is only to ensure that a democratic government is formed - M. Veerapandian"

Chennai, May 8

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, founded by actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay, moved a step closer to forming the next government in Tamil Nadu on Friday after the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India-Marxist), on Friday extended unconditional support to it in the wake of the fractured Assembly election verdict.

With the support of the two Left parties, the TVK has now secured the backing of nine additional MLAs -- five from the Congress, and two each from the CPI and the CPI-M.

Vijay's party, which contested the elections independently, had emerged as the single largest party by winning 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, including the seat won by Vijay himself.

The party now requires the support of two more MLAs to cross the crucial majority mark of 118 and stake a claim to form the government.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Chennai by CPI state Secretary M. Veerapandian and CPI-M state Secretary P. Shanmugam.

Both leaders clarified that their parties, which were part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance - along with the Congress- would not join a possible TVK-led Cabinet and would instead extend support from outside.

The Left leaders stressed that they "will not be part of the Cabinet" and their "support is only to ensure that a democratic government is formed" and at the same time, they will continue to stand with the DMK in "opposing communal forces and in protecting the rights of Tamil Nadu".

The political developments came amid mounting tension over government formation in the state. Earlier in the day, Congress cadres staged statewide protests against Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar after he declined Vijay's request to form the government, reportedly asking him to return only after demonstrating the support of 118 MLAs.

Soon after the Left parties declared support for TVK, outgoing Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin urged Governor Arlekar to act in accordance with constitutional norms and facilitate the formation of a new government without delay.

Meanwhile, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), also in the SPA, is also expected to support TVK. The party has repeatedly indicated that it would take a decision in line with the stand adopted by the Left parties, raising the possibility of Vijay securing the remaining numbers required to form the government.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I'm cautiously optimistic. Vijay has no experience in governance, but neither did many others when they started. The fact that Left parties are backing him without joining cabinet is smart - they'll keep him accountable. Let's see if he can deliver on promises like education and jobs for youth.
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Vikram M
The Governor should stop playing politics and let the largest party form government. This is exactly what happened in Maharashtra earlier - delaying tactics don't help anyone. CM Stalin is right to pressure for constitutional process. Vijay has numbers now, so let him prove his majority on floor. 🏛️
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Ananya R
As a Tamilian, I'm excited but also worried. Vijay's fan following is huge, but running a state is different from acting. The Left parties supporting from outside is good - they will ensure he doesn't go autocratic. But I hope he doesn't get swayed by star power and actually listens to experts.
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Rohit P
Great to see a non-dynastic option emerging! Vijay built TVK from scratch - no family legacy, no vote bank politics. His focus on infrastructure, healthcare and anti-corruption resonates with young voters. With Left support, he can form a stable govt. Let democracy work! 🇮🇳
K
Kavya N
I just hope Vijay doesn't become another star politician who forgets ground realities. Cinema politics has mixed record - MGR did well, but others not so much. The Left parties supporting is a good check, but genuine development needs competent ministers. Let's wait and watch.

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