The latest blockbuster hero from the South to jump into politics has intensified his hunt for allies after a resounding mandate in the Tamil Nadu elections held last month. Actor Vijay, whose fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has ended the duopoly of the Dravidian giants DMK and AIADMK after six decades, has written to the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)’s chief Thol Thirumavalan for his support to form the next government in the state. VCK leaders say they are still deciding on the request.
Vijay has also reached out to DMK allies, the Congress, CPI, and the CPM for their support. Having won 108 of the total 234 seats, his party needs the backing of 10 more MLAs to cross the halfway mark.
Read: Congress To Support Vijay With “No Communal Forces In Alliance” Condition
The Congress, which has five seats in Tamil Nadu, has already decided to support Vijay, though with conditions. In a statement announcing its decision to back the TVK, the Congress said that the alliance must keep out “any communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India”.
If the VCK (2), CPI (2), and CPM (2) also agree to support Vijay, the TVK would have the support of 119 MLAs, one past the halfway mark.
Some TVK functionaries, it is learnt, have also met the AIADMK boss Edappadi K Palaniswami at his Chennai residence, a development that points to a significant rift within the BJP ally.
Read: After Election Win, TVK At Centre Of Numbers Game. One Option Is AIADMK
In the state elections held last month, the TVK emerged as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu assembly, handing a resounding defeat to the ruling DMK led by MK Stalin. The party led by Vijay won 108 of the state’s total 234 seats, just 10 seats shy of the halfway mark. The DMK was reduced to just 59 seats, while the AIADMK managed to win 47 seats.
Vijay contested two seats, Trichy East and Perambur. He won both. Sources say he is likely to give up Trichy East and retain the latter. If that happens, a bypoll will follow in the vacated seat.