Actor-turned-politician Vijay has informed Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi Arlekar that he now has the support of 118 MLAs, with his swearing-in ceremony as chief minister expected to be held tomorrow at 11:00 am, according to sources.   

Sources said last-minute and hectic negotiations by Vijay with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and an Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA to secure their backing for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) appear to have succeeded, helping the party reach the majority mark of 118.

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The actor-politician, who met Governor Arlekar on Friday evening for his third round of talks on government formation, is expected to be sworn in as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Saturday.

On Friday evening, after four days of uncertainty, slogans of “TVK, TVK” were heard outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai as indications emerged that he had secured the required support to form the government.

Vijay’s TVK achieved a sweeping victory in last month’s assembly election, winning 108 of the 234 seats in its debut, breaking the 62-year dominance of Dravidian parties Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu politics.

However, the post-poll celebrations were short-lived after Governor Arlekar reportedly made it clear that he would not invite Vijay to form the government without confirmed majority support.

Despite two meetings held on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor maintained his stance, telling Vijay that he could not allow formation of a government with 113 MLAs when the majority mark stands at 118, and insisted on written letters of support from elected MLAs.

Source: NDTV