Tamil Nadu government formation: Deputy CM offer on table? 'TVK in talks with AIADMK MLAs camped in Puducherry'

NEW DELHI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is reportedly in talks with a section of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MLAs over a possible power-sharing arrangement as the political battle over government formation in Tamil Nadu intensified on Thursday. The development comes as 28 AIADMK legislators were shifted to a private resort in Puducherry.

The legislators staying at the resort in Poorankuppam are supporters of senior AIADMK leader CV Shanmugam. Their relocation has fuelled speculation that sections within the AIADMK may be considering extending support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in the ongoing government formation exercise, ANI reported citing sources.



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They claimed that a possible power-sharing formula is also being discussed, under which CV Shanmugam could be offered the Deputy Chief Minister’s post along with key ministerial portfolios. Former Tamil Nadu minister and TVK candidate KA Sengottaiyan are reportedly involved in the talks.

However, the AIADMK leadership itself appears divided over the issue. Party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has not agreed to the proposal of supporting TVK, triggering differences within sections of the party.

At the same time, leaders including CV Shanmugam and OS Manian are believed to be in favour of supporting TVK in exchange for major positions in a possible coalition government.

Sources, cited by ANI, also indicated that some senior leaders have advised TVK to explore legal options, including approaching the Supreme Court or the high court over the government formation process. Others are said to have suggested the possibility of fresh elections if the deadlock continues.

TVK, despite emerging as a major force in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, remains short of the majority mark by 5 MLAs. Vijay has already secured the backing of five MLAs from Congress, but still requires support from five more legislators to cross the halfway mark in the Tamil Nadu assembly.