Chennai: Political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu has deepened dramatically as Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) intensified pressure on actor-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) over government formation talks following the fractured Assembly verdict. With TVK emerging as the single largest party but still falling short of a majority, VCK’s two crucial seats have now become central to the battle for power in the state.
However, the latest media updates from Chennai suggest that VCK extended unconditional support to TVK, and the deadlock is over.
Reports indicate that VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan has placed tough conditions before extending support to Vijay. The party is reportedly demanding the Deputy Chief Minister post for Thirumavalavan, an additional Cabinet berth, and the opportunity to contest one of the Assembly seats that Vijay is expected to vacate after winning from both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East. VCK has also reportedly sought assurances that TVK would help the party retain the Chidambaram Lok Sabha seat if Thirumavalavan resigns as MP.
Beyond power-sharing demands, VCK is also pushing for major social justice measures, including a special law against caste and religious discrimination and legislation to criminalise honour killings, reflecting the party’s long-standing Dalit rights agenda.
TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, remaining 10 short of the majority mark of 118. Vijay currently has the backing of 116 legislators, including support from the Indian National Congress, the Communist Party of India, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). However, VCK has not yet made its position official, leaving the state’s political future hanging in uncertainty.
The situation has become more explosive amid allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party is attempting to influence the post-election process through the Governor by delaying an invitation to the single largest party to form the government. Reports have also emerged suggesting that longtime rivals Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam are exploring the possibility of joining hands to block Vijay from taking power, adding further chaos to Tamil Nadu’s rapidly escalating political crisis.