Singhvi Slams Tamil Nadu Governor Over Vijay Invite Delay
Congress leader says refusal to call TVK chief is ‘deplorable’ and against constitutional norms
- Abhishek Manu Singhvi attacks Governor R. V. Arlekar
- Says Vijay should be invited as single largest party leader
- Congress alleges Centre using governors to weaken federalism
- TVK still short of majority in 234-member Assembly
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 8th May: Senior Congress leader and Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Friday sharply criticised Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar for refusing to invite Vijay to form the next government despite his party emerging as the single largest force in the Assembly elections.
Calling the Governor’s conduct “deplorable and unprecedented”, Singhvi argued that constitutional convention requires the leader of the largest party to be invited first and allowed to prove majority on the floor of the House.
“This is the single largest party and there is no rival claimant. The Governor only has to satisfy himself that support exists and then allow a floor test,” Singhvi told NDTV.
Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling short of the majority mark of 118 by 10 seats.
The Governor has reportedly insisted that Vijay submit letters of support from 118 MLAs before being invited to form the government, triggering a political and constitutional confrontation.
Singhvi accused Governors appointed by the Centre of undermining federalism and acting in line with political interests of the ruling party at the Centre.
He also warned that prolonged delay could create conditions for constitutional uncertainty, including the possibility of President’s Rule.
Drawing parallels with the 1996 Lok Sabha elections, Singhvi recalled how former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was invited to form the government despite lacking a majority at the time.
“He was given the opportunity to prove majority on the floor of the House. That is constitutional tradition,” Singhvi said.
The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP was attempting to keep Vijay politically dependent by delaying the government formation process and indirectly leveraging the AIADMK.
The ongoing impasse has now entered its third day, with the TVK continuing negotiations with smaller parties including the Left Front and VCK to secure additional support.
Sources indicated that the TVK has not ruled out approaching court if the deadlock continues.
