Tamil Nadu: VCK says support to TVK aimed at preventing President’s rule, won’t affect DMK alliance

NEW DELHI: Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday defended his party’s decision to extend unconditional support to Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, saying the move was aimed at ensuring political stability in Tamil Nadu and preventing the possibility of President’s rule in the state.Speaking in Chennai, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief said the party took the decision independently while continuing to remain part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance.“We want to support TVK for two reasons: VCK should not hinder Vijay from becoming CM, and Tamil Nadu should not come under Governor’s rule,” Thirumavalavan said.He stressed that the political crisis in Tamil Nadu should not become a reason for the implementation of President’s rule and said the party had taken a “long-term vision” into account before extending support to TVK.Thirumavalavan clarified that supporting TVK would not affect VCK’s relationship with the DMK-led alliance.“We are still in DMK's alliance, took independent decision as political party during crisis,” he said.The VCK’s announcement came amid intense political activity after TVK, which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, fell short of the majority mark by 10 seats.VCK’s support, along with backing from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), pushed TVK’s numbers to 120, two above the majority mark of 118.Follow live updates: Tamil Nadu CM announcement updatesShortly after the VCK’s decision, IUML also announced support for TVK. Senior VCK leader Vanni Arasu wrote to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar formally declaring support for TVK.TVK leader Adhav Arjuna thanked Congress, Left parties and Thirumavalavan for supporting the party and expressed confidence that Vijay would become the next chief minister.Vijay is expected to meet the Governor soon to stake claim to form TVK’s maiden government in Tamil Nadu.