From Our Correspondent
Chennai: In a dramatic end to three days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has formally accepted Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and popular actor Joseph Vijay’s claim to form the next government in the state.
The Governor’s office confirmed late Friday evening that Vijay has demonstrated sufficient support to command a majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. This paves the way for the actor, widely known as ‘Thalapathy’ among his fans, to be sworn in as the Chief Minister, marking a historic shift as a political debutant assumes leadership of the southern state and potentially ending decades of dominance by traditional Dravidian parties.
The Assembly elections held on May 4 produced a hung verdict, with TVK emerging as the single largest party securing 108 seats, just short of the 118 required for a simple majority. What followed was a period of high-stakes political maneuvering. Vijay met the Governor multiple times this week, submitting letters staking his claim and providing evidence of support. Initially, the Governor exercised caution, insisting on concrete proof of majority backing to ensure constitutional propriety and governmental stability.
After days of backroom discussions and scrutiny, TVK leaders successfully stitched together a coalition. Support from the Congress (5 seats), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Left parties (CPI and CPI(M)) helped the alliance cross the majority threshold. Sources indicated that letters of support from more than 118 MLAs were submitted to Raj Bhavan on Friday, satisfying the Governor’s office and resolving the impasse.
Joseph Vijay, who launched TVK just two years ago, ran a campaign centered on youth empowerment, anti-corruption measures, social justice, and transparent governance. His massive popularity and efficient grassroots organisation helped TVK make deep inroads into traditional strongholds of both the DMK and AIADMK, surprising political observers.
Outgoing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of the DMK has expressed readiness for his party to play the role of a responsible opposition. The AIADMK, which also suffered significant losses, is reportedly grappling with internal challenges following the verdict.
Vijay is expected to take oath as Chief Minister in the coming days, possibly as early as this weekend, along with a compact cabinet that includes representatives from alliance partners. The new government will face immediate tests, including sustaining welfare schemes, tackling unemployment, reviving industries, and managing state finances effectively.
This coalition arrangement will be one of the first in recent times for Tamil Nadu, putting Vijay’s administrative skills and coalition management abilities under the spotlight. Political analysts are keenly watching how the actor-turned-politician balances the diverse demands of his allies while delivering on campaign promises.
As news of the Governor’s decision spread, celebrations broke out outside TVK headquarters in Chennai. Addressing jubilant supporters, Vijay said, “This is not my victory alone. This is the victory of the Tamil people who voted for change. I promise to work tirelessly for a prosperous, inclusive, and progressive Tamil Nadu.”
Governor Arlekar’s acceptance of Vijay’s claim has been welcomed across several quarters as a step that upholds democratic norms while resolving the post-poll uncertainty. A floor test in the Assembly is likely to be held soon after the swearing-in ceremony to prove the government’s majority.
The development has sent ripples across the national political landscape, with many viewing it as a new chapter in Tamil Nadu’s vibrant and often unpredictable politics.