Chennai: The results of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections have shocked the entire country, but the real game has now begun. Superstar-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay’s party TVK (Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam) is now on the verge of forming the government after a bumper victory. But even before assuming the post of Chief Minister, Vijay has given strict instructions to his MLAs. It is reported that to avoid any kind of ‘horse trading’ or burglary, TVK has put its 108 MLAs under ‘house arrest’ in a luxurious hotel in Mahabalipuram.
The history of Tamil Nadu politics is witness to the fact that manipulation of MLAs to form the government here is nothing new. Considering this risk, Vijay himself has taken charge. According to sources, along with congratulating the victory, he has also given strict instructions to the MLAs that they should not come in contact with the leaders of any other party until the government is formed. The security inside the hotel is so tight that the MLAs are not even being allowed to talk on the phone. Every MLA is being closely monitored so that no outside force can make a dent.
Not only Vijay, but his father S.A. Chandrashekhar is also completely active. He himself is present in the hotel of Mahabalipuram and is conducting reconnaissance of each and every MLA. It is being told that Chandrashekhar is personally talking to the MLAs so that there is no resentment after the formation of the government. Several rounds of talks have taken place since the night of 4th May. The problem lies in the fact that almost every MLA wants a place in the cabinet and many are eyeing the post of Deputy CM. Now, it will be interesting to see whom Vijay chooses and whom he convinces.
To touch the majority mark in Tamil Nadu, Vijay needs the support of 11 more MLAs. In the election results, TVK has got 108 seats, while DMK is reduced to 59 and AIADMK is reduced to 47 seats. Congress has 5 seats and BJP has got only 1 seat. The remaining 14 seats are held by other small parties. The math is simple—Vijay needs outside support to form the government. There is talk that Vijay may soon meet senior Congress leaders. At the same time, there is also a rumor in the political circles that AIADMK can also surprise everyone by supporting Vijay. Vijay himself won from two seats, so he will have to vacate one seat soon.
