Political Uncertainty In Tamil Nadu: Guv rejects TVK’s immediate claim

Chennai: The number game has begun in Tamil Nadu and it’s already turning tense. Actor-politician Vijay walked into Lok Bhavan on Wednesday to stake claim with 112 MLAs backing him, only to be told it’s not enough. “Come back with 118,” Governor Rajendra Arlekar is learnt to have told Vijay, setting off a fresh round of political scrambling.

Although Vijay secured support from the Congress, which has five legislators, he orally said he got the backing from the party and asked for time to shore up numbers, according to sources. Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 of 234 seats, but fell short of 10 seats for a majority, in its stunning electoral debut. Allies are still hedging. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which is an DMK ally, will hold a key meeting at 10 am on Thursday before announcing its stand whether to support Vijay.

However, this still falls short of the majority mark of 118 in the 234-member Assembly. There is still no clarity on further backing, with parties like the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which has two MLAs, yet to take a call. Sources said the Governor has asked for 118 MLAs’ support and has made it clear that the swearing-in can only take place once Vijay proves the required majority.

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The Hans India