Chennai: The political landscape in Tamil Nadu reached a definitive turning point Saturday as the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) joined the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) in pledging support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). With the addition of the IUML’s two legislators, the coalition led by actor-turned-politician Vijay now commands the backing of 120 MLAs, well beyond the threshold required to govern.

The announcements effectively terminate weeks of post-election suspense. Vijay is expected to visit Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar imminently to formally stake his claim to the state’s leadership.

Adhav Arjuna, a high-ranking TVK official, confirmed the VCK’s endorsement to reporters, signalling an end to the instability surrounding the formation of the new administration. Vanni Arasu, the leader of the VCK legislative unit, has already submitted a formal letter to the Governor affirming his party’s commitment to the TVK.

"Victory," Arjuna proclaimed, offering gratitude to the Congress, the Left parties, and VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan, MP. He expressed unwavering confidence that the TVK’s founder would soon be sworn in as Chief Minister.

The Arithmetic of Power

While the TVK initially secured 108 seats in the April 23 elections, its first-ever electoral contest, the party faced a strategic deficit. Because Vijay emerged victorious in two separate constituencies, his mandatory resignation from one seat will adjust the party’s primary strength to 107.

To secure the 118 seats necessary for a majority in the 234-member Assembly, the TVK successfully courted several traditional DMK allies:

  • The Congress: 5 seats
  • The VCK: 2 seats
  • The IUML: 2 seats
  • The CPI and CPI(M): 2 seats each

According to VCK sources, the party intends to provide "outside support" to the burgeoning administration rather than joining the cabinet immediately. The combined strength of these supporting factions, totalling 13 legislators, solidifies the TVK’s position at 120, ensuring a stable majority for the state’s first-ever TVK-led government.

With inputs form PTI