Actor-politician Vijay is set to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) ended days of suspense and announced unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government formation bid. The move helped Vijay cross the majority mark, with the TVK chief submitting letters of support from 120 MLAs to Governor R V Arlekar on Saturday.

Explaining the party’s stand, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan said the decision was taken to ensure that President’s Rule was not imposed in the state and that VCK should not become an obstacle in government formation.

“We have decided like CPI and CPI(M) - only for forming the Govt, no other commitments. We extended our support without any participation in the ministry. We have to extend unconditional support to Vijay to form his Govt,” Thirumavalavan told ANI, ending speculation over whether the VCK would back Vijay in the high-stakes Tamil Nadu political developments.

The announcement came after days of intense political negotiations as Vijay scrambled to secure written support from at least 118 MLAs, the majority mark in the Assembly. The VCK had maintained silence through most of the talks, keeping the TVK camp uncertain until the final moment.

Thirumavalavan added that the decision was taken after consultations with Left parties and discussions within the VCK leadership. According to him, the CPI(M) and CPI had already decided to support TVK, after which the VCK high-level committee authorised him to take the final call.

He also revealed that he personally informed M K Stalin, the DMK chief and a political rival of Vijay, before announcing support.

"Our ties with the DMK will not get affected due to our stand, but it will help Vijay to form the government and also prevent the President's rule in the state," Thirumavalavan said at a crowded press conference.

The VCK chief added that Vijay had planned to meet him before the announcement, but he advised the TVK leader that they could meet after the swearing-in ceremony instead.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also extended support to Vijay, strengthening the numbers for the TVK-led alliance.

With support from Congress MLAs, Left parties, VCK and IUML, Vijay crossed the majority figure by two seats and formally staked claim to form the government.

The TVK-led bloc currently includes five Congress MLAs, four Left MLAs, two VCK MLAs and two IUML MLAs. Vijay met the Governor with letters backing him from 120 legislators.

The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place on Sunday at 10 am, paving the way for Vijay’s formal entry as Chief Minister in a major political moment for Tamil Nadu.

With PTI inputs