TVK’s Vijay looks for allies to form government; Dissent brewing in AIADMK; DMK-Congress ties rocky: What’s happening in Tamil Nadu?

New Delhi: actor-turned-politician VijayTVK has begun forming the government in Tamil Nadu, where the party emerged as the single largest party but failed to surpass the majority with 10 seats.TVK is reportedly seeking support from smaller parties such as the Congress, PMK, Left parties, CPM and VCK, whose joint efforts may help the party cross a majority.TVK CEO Vijay also sought time from Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar to meet him as part of the government formation process.Here’s what’s happening in Tamil Nadu:Congress hopping?The Press Trust of India news agency quoted sources as saying that the Tamil Nadu Congress has decided to support the formation of a secular government in the state. The decision to support TVK was taken at an emergency meeting of the Tamil Nadu Congress Political Affairs Committee (PAC) held late on Tuesday night.AICC in-charge of Tamil Nadu affairs Girish Chodankar held a committee meeting and decided to extend support to TVK.According to sources, the meeting was held on Zoom and senior members expressed support for the actor-turned-politician.“The Tamil Nadu Congress Political Action Committee has unanimously decided to support TVK leader Thiru Vijay to form a secular government in Tamil Nadu,” sources said.Earlier in the day, Congress claimed that Vijay had sought its support for government formation in the state and informed that its leadership had directed the state unit to take a final decision on the matter, keeping in mind the mood of the state.The party formed an alliance with the Kuomintang to participate in the parliamentary elections DMKIt claimed that the southern state was tasked with establishing a secular government and was determined “not to allow the BJP and its agents to run the Tamil Nadu government in any manner”.Amid ongoing speculation, Congress state in-charge Girish Chodankar confirmed that the party had received a letter from TVK.Jordankar told reporters that party leaders in New Delhi discussed the letter and a detailed update would be released at a joint press conference. He added that the briefing included the PCC president, CLP leaders and newly elected MLAs.“We have held a joint press conference with our PCC president, CLP leaders and newly elected MLAs. At that time, we will speak with you in detail and update you on the details of how we move forward. ” Jordan Carr said.“Everything will be updated at Satyamurthy Bhawan at 11 o’clock. The party has called everyone today; they have handed over the letter to our Congress president Mr. Khargage. The letter was discussed in Delhi yesterday. When we go together at 11 o’clock, everything will be discussed,” he added.DMK mocked as ‘backstabbed’ in CongressTensions within the Secular Progressive Alliance have increased, with the DMK calling the Congress “the mastermind” and speculation growing that the grand old party is backing TVK in Tamil Nadu.DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Wednesday, calling the decision “short-sighted” and accusing it of “backstabbing” its Indian bloc partners.“I think this is a very short-sighted, short-sighted stance taken by the Congress and they will regret it. The 2029 general election is coming and we are very confident that we can topple the BJP. But now, because of this decision by the Congress, it makes them a very unstable partner. There is a widespread belief across the country that Congress cannot be trusted,” he said.Cracks within AIADMKMeanwhile, dissent appears to be brewing within the AIADMK, with one faction pressuring the leadership to support Vijay in forming the government.There are reports that there is a faction within the AIADMK that is inclined to support Vijay and his party by extending support. There are also reports that these MLAs are not happy with the leadership of Edappadi Palaniswami.TVK, which ranks 108th in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, just 10 places short of a half-majority of 118, is more likely to ally with smaller parties such as the Congress and the Left Front.TVK MLA checks into luxury resortMeanwhile, 108 winning TVK MLAs, including those from far-flung districts, were accommodated at a private luxury resort in Mamallapuram on Wednesday.The arrangement was made after a meeting with party leader Vijay. To ensure safety, a large police presence has been deployed around the resort and surveillance has been stepped up.More than 50 MLAs are currently staying at the four-star hotel in Poonjeri in Mahabalipuram and more TVK MLAs are expected to arrive on the day. The party continues to develop its post-election strategy.Whatever the outcome of government formation, the coming days will be decisive. Whether it is an understanding between TVK and the Congress, a broader alliance of minor parties, or some combination of the two, TVK’s time has come, but the shape of its government remains to be seen.