Crucial hours ahead in Tamil Nadu; Vijay holds talks with AIADMK leaders, offers Deputy CM post

CHENNAI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay is making crucial moves to form the government in Tamil Nadu. According to reports, TVK is holding talks with a rebel faction within the AIADMK to secure the number of MLAs needed to form the government. Recently, 28 AIADMK MLAs were shifted to a private resort in Puducherry. The group is said to support senior leader C V Shanmugam, and reports claim that these MLAs are also backing Vijay. It is also reported that the rebel faction has been offered the Deputy Chief Minister post along with ministerial positions. Former Tamil Nadu minister and TVK candidate K A Sengottaiyan is said to be leading the discussions.

AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami is reportedly against supporting TVK. However, leaders such as C V Shanmugam and O S Manian are said to be in favour of extending support to Vijay. Earlier, the Congress party, which was part of the DMK alliance, had announced support for the TVK. With the support of five Congress MLAs, TVK currently has the backing of 112 legislators. Vijay is now trying to gain the support of at least six more MLAs through talks with AIADMK members. Apart from this, TVK has also reportedly sought support from the CPM, CPI and the VCK.