After Tamil Nadu elections, Vijay’s party TVK has become the largest party, but is 6 seats away from the magic figure of majority. A massive demonstration by TVK workers continues in Chennai against Raj Bhavan for not being invited to form the government.
After the results of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, political activities have intensified in the state. No party has got a clear majority in the elections. Party workers on Friday staged a massive protest outside the Lok Bhawan in Chennai after Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay was not invited to form the government despite emerging as the single largest party.
Demonstration and warning of TVK workers
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has directed TVK to first prove its majority, due to which the party supporters are angry. On Friday, TVK workers protested outside Lok Bhavan in Chennai and demanded that the Governor immediately invite Vijay to form the government.
A TVK worker named Suresh, who was involved in the protest, warned that if Vijay is not given the opportunity to become the Chief Minister, then there will be protests on a larger scale in the future. However, the police took action and removed the protesters from the spot.
Apart from this, TVK party workers performed a special ritual at the Salakkarai Mariamman temple located in Manjakuppam area of Cuddalore and prayed for TVK chief Vijay to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
On the other hand, Tamil Nadu Congress has protested against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The protest is over the fact that despite TVK chief Vijay’s party emerging as the largest party in the assembly elections, he was not invited to form the next government. Congress has also extended its support to TVK.
Majority mathematics: TVK 6 steps away from the magical figure
TVK is currently busy gathering support from other parties to form the government.
Total Assembly seats: 234 Majority figure: 118
Current status of TVK alliance: The alliance has reached the figure of 112 with the support of TVK and 5 Congress MLAs.
The party is still 6 seats short of the majority mark to form the government.
Governor’s stance and demand for clarification
On Thursday, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar had called TVK chief Vijay to Lok Bhawan. The Governor clarified that the majority support required to form the government in the Tamil Nadu Assembly has not yet been proven.
According to sources, the Governor has sought clarity on the ‘magical figure’ and asked Vijay to submit a detailed account of the MLAs who are supporting TVK’s claim.
Criticism of AIADMK and allegations against BJP
Amidst this political tussle, the round of allegations and counter-allegations continues.
AIADMK’s taunt: AIADMK national spokesperson Kovai Sathyan has targeted the alliance of TVK and Congress. He said- TVK itself has admitted that they are the largest party with 108 seats and they have the support of 5 other MLAs. Therefore, it is the duty of the Governor to ask where are the remaining MLAs?
Accusations on BJP: On the other hand, TVK leaders have reacted sharply to the Governor not calling Vijay to form the government. Many leaders have alleged that the Governor is working at the behest of the BJP to disrupt the constitutional process and weaken the Constitution.
Effort to garner support: Eyes on CPI and VCK
To bridge the majority gap, TVK joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar along with party leaders met Communist Party of India (CPI) leaders in Chennai on Thursday.
Talking to the media, Nirmal Kumar said that both VCK and CPI parties will hold their respective internal meetings on the issue of supporting TVK and only then will give a final decision.
It is noteworthy that in the recent assembly elections, both CPI and VCK have won 2 seats each. If it gets the support of both these parties, TVK will move closer to the majority mark.