VCK says support to Vijay is to prevent President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday said his party decided to support Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to ensure that President’s Rule was not imposed in Tamil Nadu.

The announcement ended days of uncertainty over whether the VCK would back Vijay’s bid to form the government after the Assembly delivered a fractured mandate.

“This decision has been taken because the VCK should not become an obstacle to TVK leader Vijay forming the government, and also because President’s Rule should not be imposed,” Thirumavalavan told ANI. “We are extending our support only for the formation of the government.”

The VCK chief said there were no conditions attached to the support and added that he had informed DMK president MK Stalin before making the decision.

“We formally informed DMK president MK Stalin. He said, ‘If you have decided to take this stand, my wishes for your decision’,” Thirumavalavan said.

He also revealed that Vijay had planned to meet him before the announcement, but he advised the TVK chief to meet after the swearing-in ceremony instead.

Thirumavalavan said the VCK and Left parties held discussions keeping long-term political considerations in mind before arriving at a joint decision.

According to him, the CPI and CPI(M) first decided through their respective state committees to support the TVK government, following which the VCK authorised its leadership to take the final call.

The Indian Union Muslim League also announced support for Vijay.

Later on Saturday, Vijay met Governor RV Arlekar with letters of support from 120 MLAs, crossing the majority mark of 118 in the 234-member Assembly.

The TVK-led alliance now includes support from five Congress MLAs, four Left MLAs, two VCK legislators and two IUML MLAs.

Sources said Vijay is likely to take oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday afternoon.