Actor-turned-politician Vijay is heading to Raj Bhavan to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar after securing the crucial support needed for government formation in the state.
Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections, currently holds 107 MLAs in the 234-member House. The numbers game shifted dramatically after several opposition parties extended support to TVK following the fractured verdict announced on May 4.
The Indian National Congress has pledged support from its five MLAs, while the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have offered two MLAs each. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi has also backed TVK with its two MLAs, while the Indian Union Muslim League has extended support through its lone MLA.
With the backing of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML, the Vijay-led bloc now touches the crucial majority mark of 118 - enough to stake claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu.
Sources said Vijay is expected to present letters of support to the Governor and press for an immediate invitation to form the government and prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.
The rapid consolidation of support behind TVK marks a dramatic political moment in Tamil Nadu, where Vijay's first electoral outing has already disrupted the dominance of traditional rivals like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Even as speculation continues over possible counter-moves by rival parties, TVK leaders have maintained that the mandate favours Vijay and accused opponents of attempting to delay the democratic process.
All eyes are now on Raj Bhavan as Vijay moves closer to crossing the final hurdle in his bid to become Tamil Nadu's next Chief Minister.
Gaurav Sharma Oneindia