Tamil Nadu gears up for political thriller; Vijay's dream debut faces roadblock
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu politics is unveiling a new plot every hour, heightening the drama over political ambiguity in the state. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leaders are confident of presenting an absolute majority of 118 to the Governor on Friday.
The party's strength is at 113 with the support of five Congress members. Five more are needed. DMK president M.K. Stalin has made it clear to the allies that an appropriate decision will be taken.
Meanwhile, there are moves to split the AIADMK. Party General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami is on a mission to restrict the move by whatever means possible. EPS met the rebel MLAs at a resort last night. Sengottaiyan, who left the AIADMK and joined the TVK, is fuelling the rebel movement.
Vijay had met Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan again on Thursday. In a discussion that lasted for more than half an hour, the Governor stood firm on the need for a letter of support from 118 people.
Although they did not provide a letter of support to TVK, the CPI, CPM and VCK parties condemned the governor's decision and demanded that Vijay be allowed to take the oath.
After a meeting with the leaders of the constituent parties, DMK president M.K. Stalin also clarified that the people's mandate was in favour of TVK and that the governor should allow Vijay to form the government.
- Ensure the support of VCK, CPM and CPI parties, which have two seats each. TVK leaders met the state chiefs of these parties in person on Thursday and handed over a written request. VCK president Thirumalavan held separate discussions with the CPI and CPM state secretaries. It is indicated that a consensus has been reached on providing support with conditions.
- Accept the support of leaders like C.V. Shanmugam and O.S. Manian, who are raising their voices of dissent in the AIADMK, and the MLAs who support them by accepting their demands. The 28 MLAs who support these leaders are currently in a resort in Puducherry. The dissenting leaders are demanding the Deputy Chief Minister's post for C.V. Shanmugam and the other two ministerial posts.