Vijay gets CPI support in Tamil Nadu government formation TVK meets governor again

Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) received a significant boost in its bid to form the government in Tamil Nadu after the Communist Party of India (CPI) extended its support on Friday.

The development comes as Vijay is scheduled to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar once again in Chennai, marking his third meeting in as many days over government formation discussions.

TVK, which emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, is currently 10 seats short of the majority mark of 118 required to form the government.

According to party sources, CPI decided to extend “unconditional support” after internal deliberations led by its state leadership. The party’s support letter has reportedly been submitted to the Governor.

TVK has been actively reaching out to CPI, CPI(M) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), all of which are part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). Each of these parties won two seats in the election.

Earlier, the Congress, which secured five seats and is also part of the DMK alliance, had already extended support to Vijay’s party.

While CPI has now backed TVK, CPI(M) is expected to announce its decision later in the day, and VCK is likely to declare its stand on Saturday following internal consultations.

VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said the party will hold a virtual high-level committee meeting to discuss the political situation before announcing its decision.

He said it would not be appropriate to take a position without consulting party cadres and termed the current situation a “political crisis” that needs careful consideration.

Meanwhile, TVK founder Vijay is expected to present his case before the Governor during Friday’s meeting, focusing on his claim to form the government.

The ongoing negotiations have intensified political uncertainty in the state, with multiple alliances and support discussions taking place after a fractured mandate.

TVK leaders maintain confidence that they will secure the required numbers to stake claim, while opposition parties continue to deliberate on their next course of action.

If TVK successfully secures additional support, it could pave the way for Vijay to attempt forming the party’s first government in Tamil Nadu following its debut electoral victory.