Vijay inches closer to CM chair as VCK, IUML support ends Tamil Nadu suspense

Chennai, May 9: Ending the suspense, the VCK on Saturday declared unconditional support to Vijay-led TVK to form the government in Tamil Nadu, and the actor-politician is expected to call on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar soon.

Also putting an end to speculation and uncertainty over the new dispensation, TVK leader Adhav Arujuna told the press that the VCK has extended support to his party.

VCK leader Vanni Arasu, also the legislature party leader has addressed a letter to Governor Arlekar declaring support to TVK.

"Victory" said Arjuna and thanked the Congress, Left parties and the VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan MP for supporting his party and expressed confidence that TVK founder-chief Vijay would become the Chief Minister.

VCK sources said the party, as of now, will extend outside support to Vijay in his bid to form TVK's maiden government.

Shortly after VCK's decision to back Vijay, another DMK ally, the IUML also extended support to TVK. IUML has two MLAs.

With the two small parties' support, the numbers in favour of TVK rose to120, just two more than the simple majority mark of 118 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Armed with the support of 120 MLAs, Vijay on Saturday evening set off to the Lok Bhavan to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arelkar, but had to turn back as he reportedly did not get an appointment.

Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, with 108 seats, but 10 short of a majority initially, had earlier reached out to the Congress, CPI, CPI (M) and the VCK- all DMK allies, seeking their support to form the government after winning its maiden Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, which was held on April 23.

Vijay, who has won from two segments, has to resign from one of them, bringing down the party's strength to 107. The number of MLAs from parties supporting the TVK is from Congress (5) and the CPI, CPI (M) and VCK with two MLAs each, stands at 11.

PTI