Chennai: After long deliberations and many meetings, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have extended unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). This gives the TVK 120 MLAs, 2 more than the 118 needed to form the government.
TVK leaders led by Vijay are expected to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar soon.
The decision by VCK and IUML, a long-time ally of the Left parties, comes in line with the stance already taken by the CPI and CPI(M) which decided to extend unconditional support to TVK Friday.
VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan had earlier indicated that his party would align with the Left parties’ decision to back TVK for government formation. However, the official confirmation had not come until now.
TVK, which won 108 seats in its maiden Assembly election on 23 April, was 10 seats short of a majority. The party had reached out to Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and VCK (a part of the DMK-led SPA alliance) to form a coalition government.
Congress had secured five seats in the assembly elections, while the two Left parties, IUML and VCK had two seats each, which became crucial for TVK to prove its majority. Five days after the election results, TVK’s efforts to form the government have now fructified.
Vijay had already met the Governor thrice staking claim to form the government, but was turned away each time as the Governor refused to invite him to form the government unless he had the requisite 118 MLAs.
Meanwhile, outgoing chief minister and DMK president M. K. Stalin welcomed the announcement by the alliance partners and highlighted their continued commitment to the DMK-led secular front.
In a detailed statement, Stalin said the supporting parties had made it clear that even while extending support to TVK to avoid a crisis, they would remain part of the DMK-led alliance on policy grounds. He particularly praised the Communist leaders, IUML and VCK for standing firmly with the DMK.
“I express my deepest gratitude from the heart to all the alliance movement leaders who stood firmly with us… No amount of thanks or praise can suffice for their steadfastness,” Stalin said.
He also make a jibe at the Congress MLAs, saying they contested and won on behalf of the SPA alliance but did not express their gratitude, while other party members met him. “On the same day, the Congress party severed ties with the DMK and proceeded,” he said.
“It is my personal wish that the new government, which will be formed, continues those schemes which were conceived with far-sighted thinking and rich planning,” he added.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)