TVK steps up efforts to prove majority in Tamil Nadu

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, has emerged as the single largest party in Tamil Nadu’s Assembly elections with 108 seats out of 234. Despite the support of the Congress, bringing its total to 112 seats, TVK remains short of the majority mark of 118 required to form the government. Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Tuesday to stake his claim to form the government, but the Governor reportedly insisted on proof of adequate numerical support in the Assembly. Vijay met the Governor again on Wednesday in a 40-minute meeting, where he clarified that TVK currently lacks the required 118 seats. TVK leaders intensified negotiations to secure additional support, with General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar meeting left parties and representatives Arunraj and Mustafa approaching the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). IUML’s Kader Mohideen confirmed that Vijay had formally sought their support, stating Vijay had the democratic right to claim government formation as the largest party. IUML will consult with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M. K. Stalin before making a decision. TVK requires six more seats to reach the majority threshold, and the combined six seats held by the left parties and IUML are critical to Vijay’s bid. However, TVK has ruled out support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance, rejecting any alliance with the saffron camp.