Tamil Nadu: VCK says support for TVK aimed at stopping President’s rule, won’t affect DMK alliance
New Delhi: Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday defended his party’s decision to unconditionally support Vijay-led Tamil Nadu, saying the move was aimed at ensuring political stability in Tamil Nadu and preventing the possibility of the president ruling the state.Speaking in Chennai, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president said the party had taken the decision independently while remaining a part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazagam alliance.
“We want to support TVK for two reasons: VCK should not hinder Vijay from becoming CM and Tamil Nadu should not be governed by a governor,” Thirumavalavan said.He stressed that the political crisis in Tamil Nadu should not be a reason to impose President’s rule and said the party had a “long-term vision” in mind before extending support to TVK.
VCK says relations with DMK remain intact
Thirumavalavan clarified that supporting TVK will not affect VCK’s relationship with the DMK-led alliance.“We remain an alliance of the DMK and take independent decisions as a party during the crisis,” he said.VCK’s announcement comes at a time of intense political activity at TVK. TVK becomes the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-seat parliament, but trails the majority by 10 seats.The VCK’s support, along with that of the Indian Muslim League (IUML), pushed TVK’s tally to 120, two spots above the majority of 118.Follow real-time updates: Tamil Nadu CM Announcement Update
Vijay may file a claim
Shortly after VCK made its decision, IUML also announced its support for TVK. Senior VCK leader Vanni Arasu wrote to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to formally declare support for TVK.TVK leader Adhav Arjuna thanked the Congress, Left parties and Thirumavalavan for supporting the party and expressed confidence that Vijay will become the next chief minister.Vijay is expected to meet the Governor soon to announce the formation of TVK’s first government in Tamil Nadu.
