Reports indicate that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leadership has stepped up efforts to draw five MLAs from the DMK into its fold. Party sources are said to be holding discreet discussions with legislators identified as dissatisfied within the DMK.
In the Assembly election, TVK won 108 seats, while the DMK secured 59 and the AIADMK 47. With the support of its allies, TVK formed the government, allocating cabinet berths to the Congress, VCK and the Muslim League, while the CPI and CPI(M) are extending outside support.
The report notes that six AIADMK MLAs resigned their Assembly seats and joined TVK. Chief Minister Vijay, who won from two constituencies, also resigned as MLA from Tiruchirappalli East, taking the total number of vacancies to seven and necessitating by-elections.
However, the by-elections have not been held so far, with the Election Commission delaying the process amid a legal dispute in the High Court linked to allegations of “horse-trading” over the AIADMK defections. Against this backdrop, TVK is said to be aiming for a clear majority of 118 MLAs to ensure the government completes a full five-year term.
According to TVK circles, a list of DMK MLAs unhappy with district secretaries, state-level functionaries and the party leadership has been prepared, and confidential talks are under way. The sources claim that five MLAs, including a former minister said to be facing the risk of losing a post, are inclined to switch after the ongoing case reaches a conclusion.
