Chennai: The political deadlock in Tamil Nadu appears to be thawing as actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) received a crucial boost in its bid to form the state government. On Friday, the Communist Party of India (CPI) officially extended its unconditional support to the fledgling party, delivering a formal letter to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. With 108 seats already in its tally, the TVK is inching closer to the magic number of 118 required for a majority in the 234-member Assembly. This development follows earlier support from the Congress party, which holds five seats, bringing Vijay’s potential coalition strength to 115. All eyes are now on the remaining allies of the Secular Progressive Alliance, specifically the CPI(M) and the VCK, whose combined four seats could comfortably push the TVK over the finish line.
Despite the momentum, the path to power remains clouded by internal friction and procedural critiques from potential partners. While the CPI(M) is expected to announce its stance later today, the Viduthalai Chiduthaigal Katchi (VCK) has adopted a more cautious approach. VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan has scheduled a high-level digital meeting for Friday evening to deliberate on the “political crisis,” with a final decision slated for Saturday morning. Tensions were evident as VCK General Secretary Sinthanai Selvan questioned Vijay’s administrative handling of the post-election scenario, specifically criticizing the use of WhatsApp to solicit formal support. Selvan also pointed out the ideological contradiction of a party opposing “dynasty politics” while aligning with the Congress, suggesting that the TVK’s leadership may be navigating a steep learning curve in the world of realpolitik.
The urgency of the situation is mirrored on the streets of Chennai, where the Congress party staged a spirited protest against Governor Arlekar for his perceived delay in inviting the single largest party to form a dispensation. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai joined other senior leaders in the agitation, accusing the Raj Bhavan of stalling democratic processes. Meanwhile, Vijay is scheduled for his third meeting with the Governor this evening, where he is expected to reiterate his claim with the newly acquired support letters in hand. As the state waits for the final word from the Left and the VCK, the traditional Dravidian heavyweights, DMK and AIADMK, remain in the shadows, leaving the political future of Tamil Nadu hanging on the outcome of tonight’s high-stakes discussions at the Raj Bhavan.
