Chennai, May 6: C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday formally staked claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections, triggering intense political activity across the state.
Vijay arrived at Lok Bhavan in Chennai to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar amid high political drama and speculation over the formation of the next government in the 234-member Assembly.
Senior TVK leaders, including ‘Bussy’ Anand, K.A. Sengottaiyan, Aadhav Arjuna and Arun Raj, accompanied Vijay during the crucial meeting. Sources said the actor-turned-politician submitted a formal letter to the Governor seeking an invitation to form the government and assured him that TVK would prove its majority on the floor of the Assembly within the constitutionally mandated period.
The meeting is being viewed as the first major constitutional step towards the possible formation of a new government under Vijay’s leadership, following the party’s remarkable electoral debut.
TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly elections, emerging as the single-largest party in Tamil Nadu. Although the party fell short of the majority mark of 118 seats required to independently form the government, its impressive performance has dramatically altered the political landscape of the state.
The results marked one of the most significant electoral upsets in Tamil Nadu politics in recent years, with TVK managing to challenge established Dravidian parties in its very first Assembly election. Political analysts have described the outcome as a turning point, particularly due to the strong support the party received from young voters and first-time electors.
Following the declaration of results, Vijay held a series of consultations with newly elected MLAs and senior leaders of the party to discuss the strategy for government formation. On Tuesday, TVK legislators unanimously elected Vijay as the leader of the legislative party, paving the way for him to formally stake claim before the Governor.
Meanwhile, political developments in Chennai continue at a rapid pace as parties deliberate on their next course of action in the post-poll scenario. The Congress has reportedly extended conditional support to TVK, while Left parties and several smaller regional outfits are expected to hold internal meetings before announcing their stand on supporting a Vijay-led government.
Sources indicated that discussions between TVK and potential allies are ongoing, with the focus on ensuring political stability and securing the numbers required to comfortably cross the majority mark in the Assembly.
At the same time, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which suffered a major setback in the elections, has begun internal consultations after losing power following a single term in office. Senior DMK leaders are reportedly reviewing the party’s electoral performance and discussing future political strategies.
The evolving political situation has generated enormous public interest across Tamil Nadu, with supporters of TVK gathering outside party offices and celebrating the party’s unprecedented rise in state politics. Vijay’s transition from cinema superstar to a serious political contender has also become a major talking point nationally.
Political observers believe the coming days will be crucial in determining the shape, stability and longevity of the next government in Tamil Nadu. Much will depend on the support extended by other parties and the Governor’s decision regarding government formation.
If invited to form the government, Vijay will have to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly, which could pave the way for a historic new political chapter in Tamil Nadu.
