As Tamil Nadu moves through a complex political phase, sources in Raj Bhavan clarified that whichever party is able to present the necessary figures, i.e., the backing of 118 MLAs, would be asked to form the government. However, the insiders rejected claims that Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was functioning under pressure from the Centre, asserting that decisions were being made strictly in line with constitutional procedures.
This arrives amid Governor Arlekar facing sharp criticism over his move to postpone the swearing-in of Vijay as the next Tamil Nadu Chief Minister after his TVK broke the decades-old dominance of the DMK and AIADMK, becoming the single-largest party.
VIJAY SENT BACK BY GOVERNOR TWICE
For two straight days, the Governor has turned back Vijay and instructed him to provide evidence of support from at least 118 MLAs - the majority figure in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. TVK presently has 108 MLAs (actually 107 as Vijay secured victory from two seats). It has the backing of the Congress's five MLAs, taking the tally to 113.
Raj Bhavan insiders, however, emphasised that requesting details of support from any party claiming the right to form the government is part of the standard constitutional process. This is what sources said the Governor requested from Vijay when he visited the Raj Bhavan on Thursday.
For Vijay, the calculation is straightforward - display the support of 118 MLAs, and establish the government.
Raj Bhavan insiders maintained that no party has yet shown the required figures to form the government.
The Governor also clarified that the landmark SR Bommai vs Union of India ruling relates to Article 356 and does not directly concern the appointment of a new chief minister.
The 1994 ruling by a nine-member bench limits the arbitrary dismissal of state governments under Article 356.
There is also speculation that arch-rivals DMK and AIADMK might do the unimaginable and unite to keep the TVK-Congress out of power. The TVK has cautioned that all its 107 MLAs would resign if such a scenario emerges.
Even in that situation, the DMK, with 59 seats, and AIADMK, with 47, together hold 106 seats. They remain short of a simple majority by 12. In this case, they will require the backing of its allies. IUML, CPI, CPM and VCK from the DMK front have two seats each. From the AIADMK, DMDK has one, while the PMK has four MLAs. This would take them comfortably beyond the majority figure.