Vijay’s Numbers Game Sparks Alliance Turmoil in Tamil Nadu
TVK nears majority; Congress backs, AIADMK split deepens amid BJP factor
- Vijay’s TVK emerges largest with 108 seats
- Congress extends support; alliance hinges on secular condition
- AIADMK faces internal divide over backing TVK
- Majority mark of 118 keeps suspense over government formation
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 6th May: Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s breakthrough performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has triggered intense post-poll negotiations, with his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) falling just short of a clear majority.
With 108 seats, TVK is the single largest party but effectively stands at 106, factoring in procedural adjustments. The race to cross the majority mark of 118 has led to shifting political equations across alliances.
The Indian National Congress has formally extended support to TVK, reportedly on the condition that the alliance remains secular. Along with backing from smaller parties including Left groups and others, TVK’s support tally is projected to touch 117 seats, just one short of the majority.
However, uncertainty remains as Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is yet to be convinced about the numbers, delaying the swearing-in process.
Meanwhile, internal tensions have surfaced within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, where a section of MLAs is reportedly in favour of supporting Vijay. Around 30 of the party’s 47 legislators are said to back the move, though party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami has ruled out any alliance.
The AIADMK’s existing ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party have further complicated the situation, as Vijay has made it clear that his alliance will exclude parties aligned with the BJP.
The breakdown of the Congress-DMK alliance has added another layer of political churn, with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam criticising Congress for shifting sides.
Seat distribution in the 234-member Assembly shows DMK with 59 seats, AIADMK 47, and smaller parties holding limited numbers, making every alliance crucial in the final arithmetic.
As negotiations continue behind the scenes, Tamil Nadu appears headed for a high-stakes political realignment, with government formation dependent on last-minute support and strategic decisions.
