VCK, IUML extend support to TVK; Vijay stakes claim to form govt

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Saturday extended unconditional support to actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), clearing the way for the party to form its maiden government in Tamil Nadu after days of political uncertainty.

With the backing of the two parties, TVK’s support in the 234-member Assembly rose to 120, just above the simple majority mark of 118. Vijay later met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Chennai on Saturday evening to stake a claim to form the government.

The suspense over government formation ended after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, led by Thol. Thirumavalavan decided to support TVK. The party, which has two MLAs, had earlier indicated that its stand would align with that of the Left parties, which announced support to Vijay on Friday. Soon after VCK’s decision, the Indian Union Muslim League, another ally of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), also extended support to TVK.

TVK, which won 108 seats in its electoral debut, initially fell short of a majority. However, support from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML helped the party cross the halfway mark. Vijay’s victory in two constituencies means he will eventually vacate one seat, reducing TVK’s tally by one.

Amid the political manoeuvring, allegations of horse-trading surfaced. Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK) chief T T V Dhinakaran accused TVK of submitting a forged support letter to the Governor claiming the backing of AMMK’s lone MLA S Kamaraj. He also alleged attempts to bypass anti-defection laws. TVK dismissed the charges as “false” and released a video purportedly showing the MLA voluntarily signing the support letter. Police in Chennai’s Guindy area have received a complaint and are expected to conduct a preliminary inquiry.

The developments also triggered a return of “resort politics” in Tamil Nadu. While TVK legislators were moved to a resort in Mamallapuram, Congress MLAs were shifted to Hyderabad amid concerns over poaching attempts.

The Left parties said their support for TVK was aimed at respecting the people’s mandate and preventing any “backdoor entry” of the BJP through the Governor. Though the Congress has severed ties with the DMK, the Left parties, VCK and IUML maintained that they would continue in the DMK-led alliance.
(With PTI inputs)