Chennai: The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is said to be working on a plan to hold by-elections in 12 Assembly constituencies, with the aim of securing a stronger majority in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
In the recent Assembly election, TVK won 108 seats and formed the government under Chief Minister Vijay. Vijay, who won from Tiruchy East and Chennai Perambur, later resigned as MLA from Tiruchy East. TVK’s Prabhakar took charge as Speaker, bringing the party’s effective strength in the House down to 106.
Subsequently, four AIADMK MLAs resigned and joined TVK. In addition, AIADMK legislators Pudukottai Vijayabaskar and Karur Vijayabaskar have also resigned, making by-elections in seven constituencies certain, according to the report.
The report further claims TVK is attempting to persuade four more AIADMK MLAs from the northern districts to resign, which would take the total to 12 by-elections. It also alleges that talks are underway with four dissatisfied DMK MLAs; if they resign as well, the number of constituencies facing by-elections could rise to 16.
The report adds that a close astrologer of Chief Minister Vijay has reportedly suggested that if by-elections are held in 12 or 16 seats, TVK could win them and govern for five years without relying on alliance partners.
