channai, May 5
Actor-turned-politician Vijay, popularly referred to as ‘Sarkar’ after his 2018 blockbuster film Sarkar, is likely to be sworn in as Chief Minister on Thursday, even as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), intensifies efforts to secure the numbers required to form the government.
According to party sources, the swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place at the Lok Bhavan. The party is currently awaiting an appointment with Governor V. R. Arlekar to stake its claim as the single largest party, having won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly.
Earlier in the day, Vijay, after being elected leader of the TVK Legislature Party, wrote to the Governor seeking two weeks to prove his majority on the floor of the House.
The election has resulted in a hung Assembly, with TVK falling short of the majority mark by at least 10 legislators. To bridge this gap, the party has initiated talks with potential allies, particularly constituents of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance, including the Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Left parties.
Sources indicate that the Congress is inclined to support Vijay, with the VCK also signalling openness to backing the TVK. A key concern among these parties is to prevent the TVK from aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Thol. Thirumavalavan, president of the VCK, stated that the electorate has clearly favoured a coalition government by delivering a fractured mandate. He added that discussions with Left parties would guide their final decision on extending support.
Meanwhile, senior TVK leaders, including K. A. Sengottaiyan and Aadhav Arjuna, are reportedly engaging with legislators from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to garner additional backing ahead of the crucial trust vote.
Political observers note that if the Congress extends support, it could mark the party’s return to power in Tamil Nadu after decades, following its electoral decline since 1967.
