The Tamil Nadu Congress has opted to support Vijay’s TVK, aiming to establish a “secular government” in the state.
This decision was reached during a late-night virtual meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), prompted by a request from Vijay for the party’s support, according to news agency PTI.
TVK requests Congress backing, INC stands firm against BJP in TN
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal verified the outreach, noting, “TVK President Thiru Vijay approached the Indian National Congress for assistance in forming a government in Tamil Nadu.”
He emphasized the party’s commitment to ensuring that “the mandate in Tamil Nadu supports a secular government dedicated to upholding the Constitution,” asserting that the Congress is determined to prevent “the BJP and its affiliates” from gaining power.
The Congress indicated a unanimous decision by PAC members to endorse TVK, as reported by news agency ANI.
With 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly—11 short of a majority due to Vijay needing to vacate one of the two seats he won—the Congress, holding five MLAs, could play a pivotal role in closing the gap.
TVK secures MLA-elects in a hotel
In the meantime, the TVK has housed its 108 newly elected MLAs at a hotel in Chengalpattu near Mahabalipuram, as per ANI, as it continues discussions with other parties to gather the necessary numbers.
TVK has also requested two weeks from the Tamil Nadu governor to validate its majority.
DMK criticizes Congress, labels move ‘backstabbing’
The Congress’s decision prompted a sharp response from its former ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai remarked that Congress has chosen to support TVK.
“This is why we term it backstabbing… Congress has opted to switch sides in supporting TVK, and their reasons are unconvincing,” he stated, as per ANI.
Annadurai questioned the timing and consequences of this action, suggesting, “If Congress is so untrustworthy, immediately after the results, they are openly opposing the mandate.” He cautioned that this decision could undermine Congress’s credibility among other alliance partners nationwide.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan echoed similar sentiments, criticizing Congress’s strategy: “Congress is doing this in every state, ultimately leading to their losses… Their actions may lead to their party’s decline.”
Also Read: Tamil Nadu govt formation: Key alliance scenarios for TVK, defection hurdles explained AIADMK reveals internal divisions
Alongside the rift within the DMK, the AIADMK appears to be split over supporting TVK.
Over two-thirds of AIADMK MLAs—approximately 35 legislators—convened at senior leader CV Shanmugam’s office in Chennai, expressing support for Vijay, according to News18.
These MLAs are reportedly urging party leadership to contemplate aligning with TVK, which still requires extra numbers to surpass the majority threshold.
This development indicates a possible split within the AIADMK, while some leaders continue to regard the election setback as temporary.
As TVK reaches out to smaller parties such as CPI, CPI(M), and PMK, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu remains dynamic, with various negotiations ongoing and alliances rapidly reassessing.
Also Read: Who is Kapil Sahu, mind behind Vijay and TVK’s historic win in Tamil Nadu
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