Political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu deepened on Friday as actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay met Governor Rajendra Arlekar for the third time in three days while his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, moved closer to securing enough support to form the next government.

Despite the repeated meetings at Lok Bhavan, there was no official announcement from the Governor’s office till late Friday night. People aware of the discussions said TVK had still not conclusively proved majority support in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Left parties extend support to TVK

Vijay reached Lok Bhavan along with senior TVK leaders and formally sought permission to form the government after receiving support from the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Both Left parties have two MLAs each in the Assembly. Earlier in the day, they handed over letters of support to TVK deputy general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar.

Later in the evening, Vijay again visited the Governor and submitted the support letters officially.

However, TVK failed to secure a formal support letter from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi before the meeting. Sources said no VCK letter was attached to the memorandum submitted to the Governor.

TVK remains just short of majority

The CPI and CPI(M) publicly announced their backing for TVK. CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian said VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan had already indicated support if the Left parties decided to back Vijay.

At the same time, the Indian Union Muslim League issued a vague statement saying its two MLAs would support the Governor’s efforts towards government formation. However, the party stopped short of openly supporting TVK.

TVK currently has the support of five Congress MLAs. But Vijay himself won from two constituencies and must vacate one seat within 14 days after the election notification.

As a result, TVK and its current allies effectively have 117 legislators, one short of the majority mark.

If VCK’s two MLAs formally support TVK, the alliance strength would rise to 118, crossing the halfway mark in the Assembly.

Congress seeks role in government

The Indian National Congress has reportedly shown interest in joining the government.

Tamil Nadu Congress chief K. Selvaperunthagai said TVK had offered the party two ministerial positions and one Rajya Sabha seat.

“They (TVK) have said two ministers and one Rajya Sabha member. However, the final decision on the number of portfolios and specific demands rests with the Congress national leadership,” he said.

Meanwhile, both Left parties clarified that they would support the government from outside and would not seek cabinet positions.

Left parties cite BJP concern

CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam said the Left parties supported TVK to prevent delays in government formation and stop President’s Rule from being imposed in Tamil Nadu.

He also claimed the BJP was trying to enter the state “through the back door.”

“TVK approached CPI, CPI(M) and VCK. We had our party meeting. It’s normal in a democracy to have ups and downs. Tamil Nadu people have supported and decided to elect TVK. We have taken a decision in a democratic way,” Veerapandian said.

Shanmugam added, “VCK has also said that they will take the same decision as CPI and CPI (M). VCK is also giving its support to TVK. Soon, the VCK leader will come and tell this to you all.”

He further said, “Joseph Vijay has written a letter to both parties. Since if the government is not formed by the 10th, then President’s Rule will come. And the BJP is trying to enter Tamil Nadu through the back door. So, to end this, CPI and CPI(M) have decided to support TVK.”

The Left leaders also clarified that they were extending support from outside the government to avoid fresh elections in the state.

Official letters show differing positions

The CPI(M), in its official communication, extended direct “support” to TVK for forming the government.

However, the CPI described its backing as “conditional support” aimed at ensuring “stable, secular and democratic governance for the people of TN.”

After meeting the Governor, Vijay immediately visited the offices of the Left parties in Chennai’s Thiyagarayanagar area.

AIADMK alliance speculation grows

The government formation deadlock has triggered intense political speculation across Tamil Nadu.

TVK shocked Tamil Nadu politics by ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK to emerge as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

However, uncertainty over numbers sparked rumours that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could join hands to prevent Vijay from taking power.

On Friday, Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam also announced support for AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami and urged the Governor to invite the AIADMK alliance to form the government.

AMMK leader T. T. V. Dhinakaran said the party’s lone MLA-elect Kamaraj S backed the decision.

IUML denies support to TVK

Meanwhile, IUML leader A. M. Shahjahan dismissed reports claiming the party had backed TVK.

“We did not support anybody. We did not give any letter to anybody. All these are rumours. We are continuing in the alliance under the leadership of DMK.” he told reporters.

When asked whether the party would support TVK, Shahjahan replied, “There is no question of that.We are continuing under the DMK alliance.”