Chennai: Speculation about President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu mounted on Saturday as a political crisis deepened over allegations of horse-trading, forged support letters, and missing MLAs, with the current assembly’s term expiring on 10 May.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has insisted that no party can be invited to form a government without proof of support from at least 118 MLAs in the 234-member assembly.
Actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the single-largest party after winning 108 seats in the 23 April elections, has sought outside backing to reach the majority mark. The DMK-led alliance took 73 seats, and the AIADMK-led front claimed 53.
TVK secured support from Congress (five MLAs, tally to 113), CPI and CPI(M) (two MLAs each, reaching 117). Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) backing is anticipated, but Vijay’s need to vacate one of his two seats could drop the count short.
The standoff escalated late Friday when AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran met the Governor, accusing TVK of horse-trading and forgery involving AMMK-backed MLA S. Kamaraj—whose signature allegedly appeared on a TVK support letter sent via WhatsApp. Kamaraj surfaced with Dhinakaran outside Raj Bhavan, denying endorsement and alleging signature misuse. Dhinakaran filed a police complaint.
TVK dismissed the claims, releasing a video of Kamaraj signing voluntarily, and accused Dhinakaran of sabotage.
Analysts warn that prolonged deadlock and escalating allegations could prompt the Governor to report a constitutional breakdown to New Delhi, opening the door to President’s Rule. With under 48 hours remaining, frantic negotiations continue amid high tension.
(Inputs from IANS)