In the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Vijay’s party, TVK, has emerged as the largest party with 108 seats, pulling off a historic upset. The Congress party has extended its support to Vijay’s TVK to form the government in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, Vijay had sought support from Congress to form government in the state. On Tuesday (May 5), the All India Congress Committee (AICC) said it has left the final decision on supporting Vijay’s party—Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK)—to its Tamil Nadu unit.
The resolution supporting TVK was passed during a virtual meeting organized by the Congress. According to sources quoted by *India Today*, the formal letter conveying Congress’s support is expected to be released today—Wednesday, May 6. After this, Congress MLAs are likely to meet Vijay. In this meeting, the outline of the alliance is expected to be finalized and the future strategy regarding government formation is expected to be decided. According to reports, the TVK leadership has already been informed about Congress’ decision to extend support, making the alliance between the two parties almost certain.
How. What did Venugopal say?
Earlier on Tuesday (May 5), Congress had handed over the final decision on supporting TVK to its Tamil Nadu unit. Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said, “Tamil Nadu’s election results clearly show that the people want a secular government—a government that fully follows the Constitution.” He further said that Congress is determined to ensure that neither BJP nor its allies play any role in the next government. Venugopal stressed that this decision will be taken only in accordance with the public sentiments.
118 seats needed to form government
In the 234-seat assembly, a majority of 118 seats is required to form the government. TVK has emerged as the largest party with 108 seats, just 10 seats short of the majority mark. The spectacular performance has brought about a sea change in Tamil Nadu politics—a political landscape previously dominated by the DMK and AIADMK. Buoyed by the support of youth and urban voters, Vijay’s party is now the frontrunner to form the government. To gain the necessary majority, TVK is currently trying to form an alliance with other political parties. According to sources, Vijay has held talks with the Congress leadership regarding support. After emerging as the single largest party by winning 108 seats in the assembly elections, ‘Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam’ has staked claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu. On the strength of their decisive election victory, TVK leaders have met the Governor to stake claim to form the government and have sought two weeks’ time to prove their majority on the floor of the House.
