Chennai: The Congress on Thursday officially announced its support for actor-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in forming the next government in Tamil Nadu after the party’s strong debut performance in the Assembly elections.
In a letter signed by Tamil Nadu Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar, the party said the people of the state had delivered a “clear, strong and overwhelming” mandate in favour of Vijay-led TVK, breaking the long-standing dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
“The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislative Party have decided to extend full support to the TVK to form the government,” the letter stated.
The Congress, however, clarified that its backing would depend on the alliance remaining free from what it described as “communal forces” that do not uphold constitutional values.
“Our support shall be conditional upon the TVK keeping out of this alliance any communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India,” the statement said.
The party also said the proposed alliance aimed to revive the legacy of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj while remaining committed to the social justice ideals of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy and the constitutional principles championed by B. R. Ambedkar.
According to the Congress, the partnership with TVK would extend beyond government formation and continue into future local body, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections.
“This alliance — founded on mutual respect, appropriate share and shared responsibility — is not only for the formation of this government, but also for future elections,” the statement added.
The party further said Vijay and Rahul Gandhi were committed to delivering a “secular and progressive government” and fulfilling the aspirations of the people, particularly the youth of Tamil Nadu.
TVK emerged as a major force in its first electoral outing, securing 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, leaving it 10 seats short of the majority mark of 118. The party is expected to seek support from smaller parties, including Congress and Left allies, to stake claim to power.
Despite the Congress backing, TVK still requires additional support to cross the halfway mark. Political observers say Vijay could also explore an understanding with the AIADMK, which holds a larger number of seats, although the Congress’ long-standing alliance with the DMK may complicate such negotiations.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar confirmed that he is scheduled to meet Vijay on Wednesday evening after TVK informed the Raj Bhavan that it has the numbers needed to form the government.
