Support from only 112 MLAs, majority mark still far away; Governor Arlekar not convinced with TVK's claim

CHENNAI: Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay will take oath as the Chief Minister of the state on Thursday. As part of the government formation process, Vijay met Governor Rajendra Arlekar in person and handed over the list of MLAs who would support him. Vijay met the Governor at Raj Bhavan. During the meeting, Vijay staked his claim to form the government.

However, it is reported that the Governor is not convinced that TVK has the numbers to form the government. A letter with support from 118 MLAs needs to be submitted in order for the superstar turned politician to take the oath as the new CM of the state. TVK reportedly requested two weeks to prove the majority. As of now, Governor Arlekar said that Vijay does not have the majority numbers to stake a claim to form a government in Tamil Nadu. Reports emerged that TVK only has the support of 112 MLAs now.

Earlier details suggested that there would be a maximum of 34 ministers in the Tamil Nadu cabinet. There are also indications that the Congress will get two ministerial posts. Similar to the list of candidates, auto workers, Dalit groups and women are likely to get due consideration in the cabinet too. It is indicated that an official announcement in this regard will be made soon.

TVK emerged as the largest party in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, winning 108 seats. The majority required is 118 seats. Congress has already offered its support for TVK. With this, curtains down on the DMK-Congress alliance. In addition, there are indications that a section of AIADMK MLAs will also support Vijay.