Vijay to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister at 10am on Sunday

CHENNAI: TVK chief C Joseph Vijay will be sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here at 10 am.On Saturday evening, Vijay called on the governor at Lok Bhavan and submitted a letter informing about his election as the leader of the TVK legislature party. He also submitted the letters received from Congress, CPI, CPM, VCK and IUML, extending support to TVK to form the govt.The governor issued an order appointing Vijay as the chief minister and invited him to form the ministry, according to a statement from the Lok Bhavan.The governor directed Vijay to seek the vote of confidence in the assembly on or before May 13.Also read: Inside political see-saw that kept Vijay away from Tamil Nadu CM chair for 5 daysVCK and IUML extended unconditional support to TVK on Saturday, helping Vijay reach the required majority mark of 120 in the 234-member assembly. Congress, CPI and CPM had already backed TVK, taking its tally from 107 to 116 by Friday night. With VCK and IUML joining in, the tally rose to 120.TVK functionary Aadhav Arjuna received the VCK letter from Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday evening following uncertainty through the day. IUML national president Khader Mohideen handed over his party’s letter to TVK leaders K A Sengottaiyan and Arunraj. In his letter to the governor, Thirumavalavan said, “This support is being extended in the interest of ensuring stable and democratic governance for people of Tamil Nadu.” Later, Thirumavalavan told reporters that VCK remained part of DMK-led alliance and was backing TVK govt only to prevent President’s rule. He said the decision was conveyed to DMK chief M K Stalin, who responded positively.Follow live updates hereTVK earlier made two unsuccessful attempts to secure IUML’s support, with the party initially refusing because of its long-standing ties with DMK. A final push on Saturday brought IUML on board. The party high-level committee resolved that helping establish a democratic govt is a vital democratic duty to prevent political instability in the state.“The expectations of the general public, and particularly the Muslim community, are for the establishment of a democratic govt. This decision is taken to preserve the traditions of Tamil Nadu and avoid the unwelcome prospect of President's rule,” the party said. The party emphasised that it has been a long-standing partner of DMK and will continue its alliance with the DMK-led bloc.