AIADMK scraps MLAs' meet amid rift over backing Vijay's TVK in Tamil Nadu
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Chennai: The AIADMK abruptly cancelled a meeting of its newly elected MLAs on Wednesday, amid reports of deep internal divisions over extending support to actor-politician Vijay's TVK to form Tamil Nadu's next government.
Vijay's TVK stunned in its debut, clinching 108 seats to become the single-largest party in the 234-member Assembly. Falling short of the 118-seat majority, it needs at least 10 more backers. The Governor is set to invite TVK first, with Vijay likely to be sworn in as Chief Minister and prove his numbers on the floor within the stipulated time.
Contest alone with no allies, TVK's prospects hinge on post-poll support from DMK or AIADMK factions. Though no formal overtures have surfaced, intense backchannel talks are underway in Chennai.
Speculation swirled after leaks suggested some AIADMK leaders favour unconditional support for TVK to block a DMK revival. The cancelled MLA huddle—slated for a major decision—fueled talk of a leadership crisis.
Sources attribute the pullout to a split: one camp pushes outside support for Vijay, while opponents resist aligning with the novice outfit. The rift piles pressure on General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, whose party faltered electorally and lacks a clear strategy.
Observers say the coming days will decide if Vijay musters the numbers for a stable government.
(Inputs from IANS)
