Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to provide Television Kalam (TVK) leader Vijay an opportunity to prove his majority in the state assembly. Abdullah emphasized that there is no justification for preventing Vijay from forming the government despite the current political landscape.
On Thursday, Governor Arlekar rejected TVK chief Vijay’s claim to form the government, citing the party’s inability to secure the requisite numbers. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has faced scrutiny as it falls short of the simple majority required to govern effectively in Tamil Nadu. While the Congress party has shown support with five MLAs, TVK still lacks the majority of 118 needed in the 234-member assembly.
Abdullah articulated his concerns regarding the imposition of President’s rule in Tamil Nadu. He referred to numerous Supreme Court judgments that underline the principle of inviting the largest party to form the government and subsequently allowing it to demonstrate majority support in the assembly. “If we refer to the Supreme Court’s decisions, then there should not be President’s rule in Tamil Nadu,” Abdullah stated.
Notably, he recalled historical precedents where leaders, including former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, managed similar situations. “The President of India invited him to form a government, but once he could not prove his numbers, he resigned after 13 days,” he recounted. Abdullah argued that the Tamil Nadu Lok Bhavan has no legitimate reasons to obstruct the process of Vijay forming the government.
“Vijay should be allowed to form the government and be given an opportunity to prove his majority,” Abdullah explained. He emphasized that if Vijay can secure support in the assembly, he can remain in power; otherwise, he should step down. This comment adds another layer to the ongoing political tumult in Tamil Nadu.
Political analysts note the significance of Abdullah’s statements amid rising tensions in Tamil Nadu politics. The current developments reflect the delicate balancing act that state governance requires when parties vie for legitimacy and power. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will watch closely how Governor Arlekar responds to the call for allowing Vijay a chance to prove his majority in the assembly.
