Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Wednesday confirmed that he will meet TVK chief Vijay after the party formally staked claim to form the government in the state.
The development comes amid intense political negotiations in Chennai, with TVK continuing efforts to secure the numbers required to cross the halfway mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Speaking on the matter, the Governor said he had received a communication from TVK asserting that the party enjoys majority support.
“I have received a letter from TVK. They will meet me in the evening. They have stated that they have the majority and they should be called for the formation of the government. Yes, I have an appointment to meet TVK chief Vijay. A new government will come now,” the Governor said.
TVK currently holds 108 seats in the Assembly and remains 10 short of the 118-seat majority mark needed to form the government independently.
Congress, which has five MLAs, has already extended support to Vijay and his party. However, TVK still requires additional backing to comfortably cross the majority threshold.
Political attention has now shifted towards AIADMK, whose support could decisively alter the balance of power in the state.
TVK General Secretary N Anand met AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Wednesday as negotiations intensified. Senior TVK leaders are also understood to have been in contact with the AIADMK leadership.
If TVK and AIADMK reach an understanding, the combined numbers would comfortably cross the halfway mark without the need for Congress support.
At the same time, there are indications that Congress may be willing to break away from its long-standing alliance with the DMK in order to support Vijay.
Congress MP and senior leader Manickam Tagore defended the party’s position amid speculation surrounding the possible alliance shift. The Congress leadership has reportedly been dissatisfied with the lack of power-sharing arrangements within the DMK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, divisions within AIADMK are also being closely watched.
AIADMK leader CV Shanmugam said the party leadership would take the final call regarding any alliance with TVK.
“The party has to take the decision,” Shanmugam told reporters as AIADMK MLAs gathered at his residence in Chennai amid reports of discussions between EPS and Vijay.
Political observers believe a section within AIADMK is inclined towards supporting Vijay and TVK. There are also reports suggesting dissatisfaction among some MLAs over the leadership style of Edappadi K Palaniswami.
The unfolding developments have placed Vijay at the centre of Tamil Nadu’s political negotiations.
The actor-turned-politician now faces a crucial decision on whether to move ahead with Congress support or attempt a broader realignment involving AIADMK legislators.
With discussions continuing behind closed doors, the Governor’s scheduled meeting with Vijay is expected to be closely watched for indications on who may eventually form the next government in Tamil Nadu.
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