Vijay's Chief Ministerial Aspirations Face Challenges in Tamil Nadu Assembly

Vijay's Path to Chief Ministership Uncertain

Sources indicated on Wednesday that the likelihood of Vijay, the leader of the Tamilaga Vettir Kazhagam (TVK), taking the oath as Chief Minister is diminishing. This is primarily due to his ongoing efforts to secure a majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Currently, the TVK lacks official numbers, and the Governor is not yet satisfied with the figures provided by the party. In the recent elections, TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member assembly, falling short by ten seats of the majority required. Vijay will need to vacate one of the two seats he won, reducing the effective count for TVK to 107.

After emerging as the largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK has garnered support from five Congress legislators. The Congress party, which contested the elections as part of the DMK-led alliance, has decided to back TVK. On Wednesday, Vijay met with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar at Lok Bhavan as part of his efforts to form a government.

Vijay, who transitioned from a film star to a politician, won in both the Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur constituencies, showcasing his popularity beyond the film industry. Earlier in the day, the Governor mentioned to a news agency that he would meet Vijay after receiving the formal letter from TVK claiming to form the government. He stated, 'I have received a letter from TVK. They will meet me this evening. They claim to have a majority and should be called to form the government. A new government will be established soon.'

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Congress President K. Selva Perunthagai and State In-Charge Girish Chodankar confirmed their support for Vijay during a meeting at the TVK headquarters in Chennai. Following the meeting, Selva Perunthagai informed reporters, 'We have provided our letter of support to TVK. This is a decision from the party's high command. I am unsure when the swearing-in ceremony will take place. They (TVK leader Vijay) will meet with the Governor.'