Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay must prove a legislative majority before being sworn in as Chief Minister [1, 2].
The delay creates a period of political instability in the state as the new government awaits formation. Because the Governor is not convinced by the numbers presented, the transition of power remains in suspense while the TVK attempts to solidify its alliance [1, 2].
During a meeting at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai, the Governor said that no final decision had been made regarding the swearing-in ceremony [1]. He said that the process of forming a government depends on the ability of the leader to command the house.
"You can only be sworn in as Chief Minister after you prove your majority support in the Assembly," Arlekar said [2].
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly consists of 234 total seats [1]. Reports on the TVK's current strength vary; one source indicates the party emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats [2], while another reports that Vijay's bloc holds 113 seats [2].
Arlekar said he would require a demonstration of these numbers before an invitation to take the oath could be extended [2]. He said that the current figures presented by the party were insufficient to guarantee a stable government without further proof [1, 2].
"I will ask you to demonstrate the numbers before I can invite you to take oath," Arlekar said [2].
“"You can only be sworn in as Chief Minister after you prove your majority support in the Assembly."”
The Governor's insistence on a formal demonstration of majority support suggests a cautious approach to government formation in Tamil Nadu. By requiring proof of numbers for a 234-seat assembly, the Governor is ensuring that any appointed Chief Minister possesses a viable coalition to avoid immediate legislative collapse, particularly given the discrepancy in reported seat counts for the TVK bloc.
