In a dramatic turn following the recent Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has reportedly threatened a mass resignation of its 107 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This drastic measure is being considered if either the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) or the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) proceed to form a government in Tamil Nadu, bypassing the TVK, which emerged as the single-largest party.
Political Deadlock After April 23 Polls
The April 23 Assembly polls resulted in a fractured mandate, with no single party securing an outright majority in the 234-member house. The TVK secured 108 seats, falling 10 short of the 118-seat majority mark. Due to constitutional requirements, Vijay must vacate one of the two seats he won, bringing the TVK's effective strength to 107 MLAs. With the support of five Congress MLAs, the TVK-led bloc currently stands at 112 seats, still six short of forming a government.
Meanwhile, the DMK won 59 seats and the AIADMK secured 47 seats. Both traditional Dravidian parties lack the numbers to form an independent government, leading to intense post-poll negotiations.
Allegations of a 'Political Stitch-Up'
The immediate catalyst for the TVK's threat appears to be recent reports suggesting that the DMK and AIADMK, long-standing rivals, have engaged in backchannel talks. TVK leadership views this as a coordinated effort to prevent Vijay from assuming office despite his party's strong performance. A senior TVK functionary reportedly stated, "The mandate is fractured, but the largest party cannot be ignored."
The TVK has been actively courting allies of the DMK, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, various Left parties, and the Indian Union Muslim League, in an attempt to bridge its six-seat deficit. However, firm commitments from these parties have yet to materialize, exacerbating the political uncertainty in the state.
Uncertain Future for Tamil Nadu Government
As negotiations continue to drag on without a clear resolution, the prospect of a mass resignation by TVK MLAs introduces an unprecedented level of instability into Tamil Nadu's political landscape. The move, while not officially articulated by Vijay himself, reflects growing frustration within his party over the perceived attempts to deny them power after securing the most seats in the recent elections.