The results of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections have been unexpected this time, yet no single party has got an absolute majority. Actor Vijay’s party—TVK—which was founded just two years ago, has emerged as the largest party. It is currently trying to form the government. Meanwhile, in order to keep all its 108 newly elected MLAs united, the party has accommodated them in a hotel in Mahabalipuram. As a result, political activities seem to be intensifying in this area. Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, ‘Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam’ (TVK), has achieved the status of a recognized political party in its very first election. Now it needs the support of 118 MLAs to form the government. The Tamil Nadu Assembly has a total of 234 members, and a majority of 118 MLAs is required to form the government in the state.
**MLAs sent to hotel in Mahabalipuram**
Amid efforts to form the government, TVK has accommodated all its 108 newly elected MLAs at a hotel in Chengalpattu in Mahabalipuram. In Tamil Nadu, the TVK won the most seats—108—while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) won 59; Similarly, AIADMK had to be content with only 47 seats. The Congress Party won 5 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won only one seat. Whereas, the remaining 14 seats went to different parties (which include PMK, CPI, VCK, CPM, DMDK and AMMKMNKZ).
**Efforts to gather majority intensified**
Although Vijay’s party won 108 seats, Vijay himself contested from two seats; As a result, he will have to vacate one of these seats. Additionally, if an MLA is elected Speaker of the Assembly, the party’s effective strength will be reduced by one, as the Speaker is generally not allowed to vote. The Speaker is allowed to vote only if the number of votes is equal (tie); Thus, to reach the majority mark of 118, the party will have to garner the support of 12 more MLAs. The party has already started efforts to achieve this goal. Speculations are rife in local political circles that AIADMK may extend its support to Vijay’s party. However, in return for this support, the party is expected to demand several key ministries—including the post of Deputy Chief Minister. On the other hand, discussions are also going on about TVK getting possible support from the Congress Party. Meanwhile, according to reports, TVK leaders are currently engaged in talks with the Congress party. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi spoke to Vijay on phone.
**TVK also in touch with other parties**
It is being claimed that during the conversation with Rahul Gandhi, Vijay sought the Congress leader’s support for his party. Apart from Congress, the party is also actively trying to garner the support of Left parties (2+2 seats), DMDK (1 seat), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (2 seats), and Indian Union Muslim League (2 seats).
Meanwhile, TVK chief Vijay yesterday—Tuesday—paid tribute to some ideological stalwarts of the party and chaired a meeting of its newly-elected MLAs. Party members and several MLAs gave him a warm welcome at the TVK headquarters. Like Vijay, these MLAs have also won the elections for the first time.
