'We have not ignored Vijay’s request': VCK high-level panel to take call

Chennai: Thol Thirumavalavan on Thursday said his party had received a request from Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) seeking support to form the government in Tamil Nadu, adding that the matter would be decided by the VCK’s high-level committee.

TVK emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly after winning 108 seats. Vijay, who secured victory in two constituencies, will now have to vacate one of them in line with electoral rules.

Although the Indian National Congress, which won five seats, has already extended support to TVK, the party still remains short of the 118-seat majority mark required to form the government.

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“We received the request letter from TVK and we are thankful for it. We have not ignored Vijay’s request. However, our party follows a procedure and the high-level committee will take a decision soon after discussing the merits and demerits of our position,” Thirumavalavan told reporters.

Commenting on the delay in inviting TVK to form the government, the VCK chief urged the Governor to call Vijay, saying it was both a constitutional entitlement and a reflection of the people’s mandate.

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He further argued that the Governor could not insist on proof of support from 118 MLAs before inviting TVK to form the government. According to Thirumavalavan, Vijay would only need to demonstrate a majority on the floor of the Assembly after being sworn in.

(PTI)