Tamil Nadu govt formation: Vijay set to become chief minister as VCK extends support to TVK

Tamil Nadu's wait for the next chief minister is over! After days of keeping Tamil Nadu on the edge over their stance on extending support to Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) – the single-largest party in Tamil Nadu – the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has finally taken TVK to majority mark of 118. Meanwhile, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has also extended support to the TVK. IUML has two MLAs.

With the two small parties' support, the numbers in favour of TVK rose to120, two more than the simple majority mark of 118 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. With the support of the TVK and IUML, actor-turned-politician Vijay will now become the Tamil Nadu chief minister.

VCK leader Vanni Arasu, also the legislature party leader has addressed a letter to Governor Arlekar declaring support to TVK.

The confirmation of VCK's support to TVK came after President Thol. Thirumavalavan handed over the official confirmation letter to Aadhav Arjuna - TVK General Secretary - Election Campaign Management, extending their support to TVK to form a government in the state.

After receiving the support letter, TVK leader Arjuna thanked Congress, Left, VCK chief Thirumavalavan for support and said, “Got formation.”

VCK sources said the party, as of now, will extend outside support to Vijay in his bid to form TVK's maiden government.

Vijay-led TVK, with 108 seats, but 10 short of a majority initially, had earlier reached out to the Congress, CPI, CPI (M) and the VCK – all DMK allies, seeking their support to form the government after winning its maiden Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, which was held on April 23.

Vijay, who won from two constituencies – Perambur and Tiruchirappalli – has to resign from one of them. This will bring down the party's strength to 107. The number of MLAs from parties supporting the TVK – Congress (5) and the CPI, CPI (M), IUML and VCK with two MLAs each, stands at 13.

The TVK General Secretary, Aadhav Arjuna later tweeted: “In a manner that welcomes the 'Silent Revolution' that took place through democratic means in Tamil Nadu, and in a way that extends support to the greatest transfer of power that is about to occur, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader, my political mentor, and great leader Thol. Thirumavalavan has extended his support.”

“The two Members of the Legislative Assembly who contested and won on behalf of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi have received a letter expressing support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and have handed it over to us with joy and confidence. For that, it is not we alone... even the future history of Tamil Nadu is indebted and must express its gratitude. Furthermore, it is not mere thanks alone... I firmly declare that the political goals of the 35-year political journey of VCK leader and brother Thol. Thirumavalavan—his dreams of social justice, his principles of equality—will be fulfilled in the rule of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam that is about to come to pass.”