Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA Vanni Arasu said his party will support actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form a secular government.
The move places the VCK in a decisive position as the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly prepares for a floor test following the May 2024 state elections. With the assembly narrowly divided, a small number of seats can determine which coalition secures power in Chennai.
Arasu said the VCK intends to ensure that a government reflecting the interests of Dalit and oppressed-caste communities takes office. He said that the party seeks to maintain "people's rule" through this strategic alignment.
"VCK will always stand for the welfare and rights of Tamil Nadu. Neither the party nor I have criticised anyone out of personal hatred," Arasu said.
The mathematical path to power in the 234-member assembly requires a majority threshold of 118 MLAs [1]. Reports on the current tally vary; one source indicates the TVK currently holds 117 MLAs [1], while another suggests the TVK-led alliance has already inched past the 118-seat mark [3].
Because of this tight margin, the two MLAs from the VCK are positioned as kingmakers [3]. Their support could provide the necessary stability for Vijay to lead the state government, provided the TVK has not already reached the threshold independently.
The VCK's decision balances ideological goals with the strategic leverage gained from the election results. By backing the TVK, the VCK aims to solidify a secular administration that aligns with its core social justice platform.
“VCK will always stand for the welfare and rights of Tamil Nadu.”
The ability of two lawmakers to act as kingmakers underscores the fragmented nature of the post-election assembly. By aligning with Vijay's TVK, the VCK is leveraging its small seat count to ensure a secular government, potentially granting the party significant influence over policy decisions regarding Dalit and marginalized communities despite its limited numerical strength.
