Tamil Nadu Teeters on the Brink of President's Rule Amid Government Formation Deadlock

Tamil Nadu's Political Landscape

Speculation is rife over the possibility of President's Rule in Tamil Nadu as the political deadlock over government formation deepens.

Allegations of horse-trading and forged support letters have added to the uncertainty, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar reportedly making it clear that no party will be invited to form the government unless it proves the support of at least 118 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly.

TVK's Quest for Majority

Actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has been attempting to secure outside support to cross the majority mark after emerging as the single-largest party in the April 23 Assembly elections with 108 seats.

The DMK-led alliance won 73 seats, while the AIADMK-led front secured 53 seats. TVK has held talks with the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI), and CPI(M).

Support and Controversies

The Congress extended support through its five MLAs, taking TVK's tally to 113. CPI and CPI(M), which have two MLAs each, later announced unconditional outside support to a Vijay-led government, pushing the number to 117.

However, Vijay may have to resign from one of the two constituencies he won, reducing the effective strength once again and leaving TVK short of the required majority.

Allegations and Uncertainty

AMMK General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran alleged large-scale horse-trading by TVK leaders and filed a police complaint seeking action against those responsible for the alleged forgery.

TVK rejected the allegations and released a video purportedly showing MLA S. Kamaraj voluntarily signing a support letter in favour of the party.

Potential for President's Rule

Political observers say that if the deadlock continues and allegations of horse-trading escalate further, the Governor could submit a report to the Centre citing an extraordinary constitutional situation in Tamil Nadu, potentially paving the way for President's Rule.