'No Disturbance For 6 Months': DMK Rejects AIADMK's 'Overtures' To Keep Vijay's TVK Out Of Power In Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Amid ongoing speculations over reported "talks between bitter rivals", Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), to stop Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from forming its maiden government in Tamil Nadu, the DMK has reportedly turned down AIADMK's "overtures" to explore government formation in the state after the elections threw up a hung Assembly.

The buzz around possible talks between the two Dravidian rivals gained momentum after Congress snapped ties with its pre-poll ally DMK and extended support to the TVK.

'Will Not Create Any Disturbance For 6 Months,' Says Stalin

According to sources, AIADMK is learnt to have sent feelers to DMK seeking support to form a government in the 234-member Assembly. However, the DMK leadership has reportedly rejected the proposal, saying the party is prepared to sit in the Opposition and does not want to go against the people's mandate.

While no official comments have been received from the AIADMK in this regard, DMK president MK Stalin has firmly stated that the party will not create any obstacles for Vijay for at least six months. During an interview with a news agency, the former Chief Minister clarified, "DMK would closely observe Vijay's administration for six months without causing any political disturbance."

He also expressed hope that TVK would implement several of the welfare promises made earlier by the DMK.

Stalin made it clear that his party does not want either a constitutional crisis or another election in the near future. When asked which scheme he expected the TVK government to prioritise, Stalin said the breakfast scheme for government school students should be continued.

Responding to questions about Vijay's promise to provide a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 for women, Stalin remarked that fulfilling such a promise would be difficult. He added that the new government should at least continue providing Rs 1000, as implemented under the DMK regime.

He also stated that the DMK government had fulfilled nearly 90 percent of the promises made in its 2021 election manifesto and claimed that the party could not abolish the NEET examination due to restrictions imposed by the Union Government.

Stalin further said that the DMK had included only practically achievable promises in its manifesto, while expressing doubts over TVK's promise of providing six free LPG cylinders. "If they manage to implement it, we will be happy," he said.

TVK Govt Formation Likely Deferred

The swearing-in ceremony planned by TVK for Thursday (May 7) is unlikely to take place as Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar reportedly declined to invite Vijay-led TVK⁠ to form the government. On Wednesday, the TVK's legislative party leader met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government. Sources said the Governor asked Vijay to submit letters of support from 118 MLAs, as despite alliance with Congress, it requires support of five more MLAs to reach the majority mark in the Assembly.

Moreover, Vijay had contested from both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies and won in both. Since he will have to vacate one seat, the party's effective strength would come down to 107 from the current 108, leaving it in need of 11 more MLAs for a majority.

In the recently concluded assembly polls, while TVK emerged as the single largest party, DMK was victorious in 59 seats, while the AIADMK secured 47. Congress bagged five seats and has already announced support to the TVK. The PMK won 4 seats, while the IUML, CPI, CPI(M) and VCK secured two seats each. The BJP, DMDK and AMMK got one seat each.

Wednesday evening, the AIADMK shifted its newly elected MLAs to neighbouring Puducherry. Party spokesperson Kovai Sathyan confirmed this to PTI and said the legislators have been lodged there, though he did not specify the number of MLAs moved or the reason behind the decision.

With Vijay's party falling short by five MLAs, the AIADMK had earlier reiterated that it would not support a TVK-led government.

Meanwhile, sources suggest that the Congress could be offered two Cabinet berths if the TVK succeeds in forming a coalition government in the state.

Also Read:

1. TVK Legislative Party Leader Vijay Stakes Claim To Form Government To Tamil Nadu Governor
2. No Support For TVK Under Any Circumstances, Says AIADMK