Vijay’s Path to Power Stalls as VCK Keeps Tamil Nadu Waiting

The suspense over government formation in Tamil Nadu continued on Saturday, with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) still short of the majority mark, as Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan remained undecided on whether to extend support to Vijay.

TVK winning 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, the party needs additional backing to cross the majority number of 118. 

All eyes are now on VCK, whose two MLAs could play a crucial role in shaping the state's political future.

Though Thirumavalavan held a meeting with senior party leaders on Friday to discuss support for TVK, no formal announcement was made. VCK leaders indicated that a final decision is likely to be announced on Saturday.

Sources in both VCK and TVK said negotiations are underway, with VCK reportedly seeking cabinet berths for its two newly elected MLAs, Vanniarasu from Tindivanam (SC) and Jothimani from Kattumannarkoil (SC).

There has also been speculation that Thirumavalavan could be offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Sources said TVK had even proposed vacating the Trichy East seat to facilitate his return to the Assembly.

Thirumavalavan, who has long expressed interest in returning to state politics, is now expected to contest the bypoll from Trichy East. He had earlier announced his intention to contest from Kattumannarkoil, but stepped aside in favour of Jothimani, son of the late Dalit leader L Elayaperumal.

Party leaders remained tight-lipped on the reason behind the delay in announcing their decision. However, a senior VCK leader said procedural issues may have caused the hold-up. “TVK has informed us that the support should be in a specific format. We had earlier obtained the signatures of the MLAs in a different format. So the MLAs are returning to Chennai tonight,” a senior VCK leader said.

However, in a dramatic development, VCK’s official X account was suspended on Friday for alleged “violation of X rules.” The suspension followed a purported social media post purportedly supporting a TVK-led coalition government.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the delay in government formation triggered political protests across Tamil Nadu, with Congress workers taking to the streets in Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, and several district headquarters. 

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai accused Raj Bhavan of acting under pressure from the BJP-led Union government and said constitutional conventions were not being followed.

Meanwhile, DMK leader TKS Elangovan said, TVK should first secure the support of other parties before approaching the Governor.

Speaking to ANI, Elangovan said, “He (TVK chief Vijay) should first try with other political parties and then approach the Governor. If AMMK MLAs are not supporting TVK, then why should he give a letter of support? Let us see what happens when the police investigate the complaint.”

The CPI and CPI(M), with two seats each, along with Congress, which won five seats, have already extended support to Vijay’s party. 

An official announcement from VCK will be released at 4 PM on Saturday.