DMK-AIADMK Deal? TVK Ready For Mass Resignations

Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has reportedly warned that all 108 of its MLAs will resign if either of the two Dravidian parties; M K Stalin’s DMK or Edappadi K Palaniswami’s AIADMK;  attempts to stake claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu, sources said.

The decision reportedly came after two crucial meetings held separately in the DMK and AIADMK camps. The TVK now suspects that the two parties may be trying to join hands to form the government, leaving out the party that emerged as the single largest force.

The TVK, which won 108 seats, argues that as the single largest party, it should be invited by the Governor to form the government.

Earlier today, however, Governor R. V. Arlekar refused to allow Vijay to stake claim, saying he did not have the required numbers.

He also reportedly rejected the plan presented by Vijay to reach the majority mark. Sources said the meeting, the second in two days, ended with the Governor insisting that the actor-politician submit letters of support from 118 legislators.

A communique from Raj Bhavan said the Governor “explained that the requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, essential for forming the Government, has not been established.”

The TVK needs 10 more MLAs to touch the majority mark. It already has the support of the Congress, which has five MLAs.

Talks are reportedly on with the Left parties and a few smaller parties for the remaining numbers. Sources said the party is also planning to move the court.

Is DMK Planning An Alternate Government?

The DMK held a meeting earlier today and passed four resolutions. One of them authorised party chief M K Stalin to take “emergency decisions.”

Explaining the resolution, the DMK said its primary aim was to avoid another election, ensure a stable government and prevent “communal forces” from gaining space.

Calling the situation a “complicated crisis,” the DMK has asked all its MLAs to remain in Chennai till May 10.

Top DMK sources, however, have confirmed that a plan under which Edappadi K Palaniswami could become Chief Minister with outside support from the DMK is being considered.

A section of younger leaders in the DMK, especially those close to Udhayanidhi Stalin, reportedly fears that if Vijay comes to power, he could become another M G Ramachandran and become extremely difficult to dislodge. MGR had kept the DMK out of power for as long as he was alive.

However, the older leadership of the party, including M. K. Stalin, is still not fully convinced, sources said. They are said to be worried about public reaction to such an experiment, as it would bring together two parties that have fought each other for decades. The fear is that such a move could trigger a major backlash.

AIADMK In Wait-And-Watch Mode

The AIADMK has also adopted a cautious approach and asked its MLAs to wait and watch.

A section within the party is reportedly keen on an alliance with the TVK, but senior leaders have firmly ruled it out for now.

This evening, more than 45 MLAs attended a meeting with Palaniswami. He reportedly told them that there was no relationship between the TVK and AIADMK and that there was no question of poaching at this stage.

The AIADMK has asked its MLAs to remain calm and wait for two more days.

Governor’s Stand Upsets Parties

The Governor’s stand has also upset some of TVK’s prospective allies.

The Tamil Nadu unit of the CPI has urged the Governor to act according to the Constitution and said it was “inappropriate” for him to ask Vijay to prove his majority before swearing in.

“As the single largest party, TVK must be given an opportunity by the Governor, in accordance with the Constitution, to prove its majority on the floor of the Assembly. The Supreme Court of India has affirmed this principle in several judgments, including the S. R. Bommai case,” the CPI said in a statement.

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan also said Vijay was seeking support because he had emerged as the single largest party and should be allowed to take office and prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.

“The Governor cannot demand a list of people supporting TVK. He cannot say, ‘Who is supporting you? Bring 118 and prove it to me, then come for the swearing-in ceremony,’” he said.

The TVK has also received support from the DMK on this issue. The outgoing ruling party has called the Governor’s decision “unacceptable” and “a disrespect” to the mandate.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has also spoken in support of Vijay.