Tamil Nadu government formation Highlights: DMK, AIADMK to join hands? Social media abuzz as Vijay faces hurdles

As per PTI, Congress leader Jothimani stated, "It is not right for the Governor to stand in the way of the people's verdict and I believe that the Governor is aware of politics and constitutional principles in this regard. The BJP must immediately stop doing politics via the Lok Bhavan and the Governor should immediately invite TVK leader Vijay to form the government."

Senior DMK leader TR Baalu on Wednesday claimed that the Congress, which supported TVK to form a government in Tamil Nadu, has "betrayed" the people who voted for them, as per PTI.

His comments came hours after the Congress, a long-time ally of the DMK, stated its support to actor-politician Vijay's TVK and cut ties with the Dravidian major.

"It (Congress) has betrayed the people who voted believing a DMK-led government would be formed," Baalu mentioned in a statement.

Several on social media claimed that many analysts believe that rivals DMK and AIADMK may join hands to form government in Tamil Nadu. However, there has been no confirmation on this.

The AIADMK on Wednesday said that it will not extend support to Vijay-led TVK in government formation in Tamil Nadu.

TVK chief staked the claim to form the state government on Wednesday. However, sources told ANI that TVK "does not have official figures as of now," and the Governor is apparently not convinced about the numbers so far.

As per ANI, On Congress and TVK's potential alliance, Sinora Ashok, TVK candidate from Harbour constituency candidate said, "Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has given his full support to TVK Chief Vijay since he won; surely, TVK will form the government with a majority... The swearing-in ceremony will take place tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, and the official announcement will come soon. All the people of Tamil Nadu are waiting for that moment."

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Wednesday stated that it will not extend any support to Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in forming a government in Tamil Nadu, as per PTI.

The party further clarified that it has not supported TVK under any circumstances so far.

Senior Indian National Congress leader Karti Chidambaram said on Wednesday that some members within the party had supported the idea of an alliance with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) even before the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

"There were voices within the party that mooted an alliance with TVK before the elections. There is no doubt about that," Karti told PTI.

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), an ally of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), will hold a meeting on May 7 to decide whether to extend support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), reported PTI citing party sources on Wednesday, amid efforts by Vijay’s party to gather the numbers needed to form the government.

The meeting will be led by VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan.

Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is unlikely to be sworn in as Chief Minister on Thursday as he continues efforts to secure enough support to reach the majority mark in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, reported ANI citing sources on Wednesday.

According to its sources, TVK "does not have official figures as of now" and the Governor is reportedly not satisfied with the level of support demonstrated so far.

Tamil Nadu Congress Incharge Girish Chodankar said, "Handed over the official @INCIndia support letter to Thiru C. Vijay President, TVK) today. This alliance is a response to the clear mandate given by the youth for a welfarist government. We are committed to a Kamaraj Rule that prioritizes social justice and constitutional ideals. Our support is firm, provided that communal forces are kept out of this alliance. Together with Shri Rahul Gandhi and Shri @TVKVijayHQ, we pledge to fulfill the dreams of Tamil Nadu. This is a long-term journey for the state's future."

Vijay will likley be sworn in as the Chief Minister even as the Governor's invitation to form the state government is awaited.

Vijay's TVK, with the Congress' support, will likely form a minority government; however, he may need to pass a floor test if the Governor demands it.

The TVK needs the support of only five more MLAs to prove a majority in the Assembly. The big question is whether he can secure the backing of a few more MLAs.

The Congress party on Wednesday sought to rejec allegations that it had backstabbed”its long-time ally DMK for power by supporting the TVK. The Congress party said it never sought any post when their alliance was ruling Tamil Nadu and even the DMK had parted ways with it in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

“This cannot be called backstabbing,” Congress leader Pawan Khera, said. Khera added, “what is the issue” if like-minded parties were forming the government in the state.

“VCK also received letter from TVK, our leader Thirumavalavan will announce the decision soon,” says VCK MP Ravikumar.

Senior Congress leader Karti Chidambaram told news agency PTI there were voices within his party favouring an alliance with Vijay’s TVK even before the 23 April Assembly elections.

“There were voices within the party that mooted an alliance with TVK before the elections. There is no doubt about that,” Karti told PTI.

However, he said the party leadership, after consulting all stakeholders, had decided to continue its alliance with the DMK.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will attend TVK chief Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony on 7 May, Congress leader Praveen Chakravarthy. Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly with 108 seats, falling 10 short of the majority mark. With 5 MLAs, Congress has extended support to TVK.

Preparations underway at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai for the oath-taking ceremony of TVK Chief Vijay as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.