Governor R. V. Arlekar declined to invite actor-politician Vijay to take the oath as chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.
The decision leaves the state in a government-formation standoff after the recent election results. If Vijay cannot secure a majority, the state may face a period of political instability or the need for a different coalition to step forward.
Vijay, the leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), met with the governor at his office in Chennai to discuss the formation of a new government. However, the governor said he was not convinced that the TVK-led coalition possesses a functional majority. According to reports, the governor questioned whether a government could be formed with 113 MLAs [2].
Other reports indicate that written support from at least 118 MLAs was required to satisfy the constitutional threshold [1]. Vijay was unable to produce the necessary written support from the required number of lawmakers during the meeting.
The governor's hesitation follows public refusals from potential allies. Both the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) publicly declined to back the TVK coalition [1, 2].
Supporters of the TVK gathered outside Lok Bhavan to protest the governor's decision [1]. Some of these supporters were detained by authorities as the political tension in Chennai increased [2].
While the DMK has ruled out an alliance with its rival AIADMK, the path to a majority remains unclear for all parties involved [2]. The governor said he did not provide a timeline for when he would reconsider the request or if he would invite another party to form the government.
“The governor said he is not convinced that the TVK-led coalition possesses a functional majority.”
The refusal by Governor Arlekar highlights the strict adherence to written proof of majority in fragmented mandates. By citing the lack of support from IUML and AMMK, the governor has effectively shifted the burden of proof back to Vijay, meaning the TVK must either secure new allies or face a total collapse of their bid for power, potentially paving the way for a rival coalition.
