Chennai: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Communist Party of India (Marxist), an ally of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), began internal deliberations on Friday over whether to extend support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in forming a government in Tamil Nadu, according to party sources.

A party insider said the state unit was seeking the individual views of its executive committee members before communicating a final decision to the central leadership later in the evening.

The discussion has been convened in response to a request from TVK leader Joseph Vijay, whose party has sought backing from other political groups to form what it described as a “new secular government” in the state.

TVK recently finalised a post-poll understanding with the Indian National Congress, a key ally of the DMK. The party has also reiterated its promise to offer a share in governance to parties that support its bid to form the government.

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Meanwhile, CPI Tamil Nadu state secretary P. Shanmugam has publicly urged that Vijay be allowed to assume office as Chief Minister, arguing that his party had emerged as the single largest formation with 108 seats, short of the 118-seat majority mark in the April 23 Assembly election.

In a statement, Shanmugam also accused the Governor of delaying the process of government formation, alleging undue political interference. He claimed that TVK had already staked its claim to form the government and said the Governor should invite its leader to take office without delay.

He further criticised what he described as politically motivated delays, calling them unacceptable.

Responses from party elders

 

The CPI (M), which won two seats in the recent elections, is expected to announce its final position later in the day after consultations within the party conclude.