Chennai: Tamil Nadu has, for the first time, moved towards a coalition government after actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly election.
TVK won 108 seats, leaving it 10 short of the 118 needed for a majority. In this situation, the Congress—holding five MLAs—broke away from the DMK-led alliance and extended support to TVK, describing it as conditional support.
After Vijay formally staked claim to form the government before the Governor, Congress conveyed that it expects two ministerial berths. During the campaign, Vijay had said parties joining him would have a share in governance.
Sources indicated that Congress is likely to be offered one cabinet post. With talk of a woman being considered, the name of Kulachal Congress MLA Tharagai Cuthbert has been doing the rounds.
With Congress backing TVK, the state is set to see its first coalition administration, and Congress is expected to return to the Tamil Nadu cabinet after about 60 years.
