Chennai, May 8 (IANS) Amid the continuing political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu following the fractured Assembly election verdict, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi on Friday held a high-level committee meeting through video conference and indicated broad support for the formation of a government led by actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which emerged as the single largest party by winning 108 seats in the April 23 Assembly elections, has been struggling to cross the majority mark of 118 seats in the 234-member Assembly.
As part of efforts to secure support, the party reached out to constituents of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance after the Congress decided to back Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from outside.
The Congress, which had parted ways with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance after the elections, extended its support to Vijay’s party.
The Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India-Marxist also announced outside support to a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led government, while maintaining that they would not join the Cabinet.
In this backdrop, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi convened its high-level committee meeting on Friday evening through video conference, with more than 20 senior functionaries participating in the discussions.
According to party sources, a majority of the executives expressed support for backing the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s bid to form a government.
During the meeting, the senior leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Ravikumar, reportedly insisted that party president Thol. Thirumavalavan should be offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister in any arrangement that involves Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi’s support for the government.
Several other leaders echoed the same view and argued that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi should be given adequate representation in the Cabinet if it decides to formally support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam administration.
Some executives also suggested that Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi deputy general secretary Vanni Arasu should be accommodated in the ministry.
Party leaders further stressed that the proposed government should focus strongly on Dalit protection, enact a special law against honour killings, and take a firm stand against communal forces without compromise.
The meeting also reportedly discussed Thirumavalavan’s future political role, with some members suggesting he should contest from the Tiruchy East Assembly constituency.
Meanwhile, Vanni Arasu posted a message on the social media platform X, saying: “This is the time for Thiruma’s era, let us rise higher and higher,” further fuelling speculation about Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi’s likely support for the Vijay-led government formation efforts in Tamil Nadu.
–IANS
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