The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Friday extended unconditional support to actor-politician Vijay-led Tamilaga Vetrri Kazhagam (TVK) for government formation in Tamil Nadu.
After internal deliberations, the Left party handed over an “unconditional letter of support for government formation” addressed to Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar, party sources said. The CPI has two legislators each in the 234-member assembly.
The development comes as TVK, which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the April 23 assembly polls but fell short of the majority mark of 118, reached out to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) allies including CPI, CPI(M), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) for support.
With the CPI’s backing, TVK’s tally has moved closer to the magic figure. Congress had already extended conditional support with its five Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), taking the total to 112 seats — still six short of the majority mark of 118.
Vijay seeks appointment with Governor
Amid fast-moving political developments, TVK chief Vijay has sought an appointment to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar at 4.30 pm on Friday.
TVK leader CTR Nirmal Kumar reached the CPI headquarters, Balan Illam in Chennai, as the party was holding an executive meeting to finalise its decision. The CPI(M) also held a similar meeting to discuss support to TVK.
VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan has called a high-level committee meeting through a Zoom call at 5 pm today to take a final decision on supporting TVK.
TVK supporters detained outside Raj Bhavan
Meanwhile, police detained several TVK supporters who staged a protest outside Raj Bhavan in Chennai, demanding that the Governor invite Vijay to form the government.
The protest erupted as the Governor has insisted that TVK must first prove its majority. Speaking during the protest, TVK worker Suresh said, “If Vijay is not given the opportunity to become Chief Minister, further protests will be held in the future.”
On Thursday, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar had invited Vijay to Lok Bhavan and sought clarity on the “magic number” and details of supporting legislators.
TVK has been actively reaching out to various parties after the fractured mandate to muster enough numbers to form the government.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)