Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has started holding discussions with senior party leaders regarding government formation if an absolute majority is not achieved. It is also said that Vijay held consultations with political strategist John Arokiasamy.
The meeting comes amidst speculation that several smaller players are discussing the scope of jumping ship to join Vijay's camp in the hope of reaping benefits. The Congress, IUML, DMDK, and even the Left are rumoured to be abandoning their existing alliances; some media reports said they may support the TVK to form the government. Even Anbumani Ramadoss's PMK faction, which is currently ahead in five seats, may offer support to Vijay, the reports said. The Week could not, however, independently verify these claims.
After 2.78 crore votes were counted, the TVK has managed a 34.89% vote share, leading in 109 seats. The DMK-led alliance has received 31.43% of the votes and is leading in only 66 seats.
TVK made a strong impact in southern districts, including Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Tenkasi.
TVK candidates were also leading in several constituencies in the delta districts, including Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, as well as parts of Salem.
In addition, the TVK made gains in several pockets of Kanyakumari, traditionally a Congress stronghold.
Counting is underway, and final results for 234 constituencies are expected by late evening.
Meanwhile, senior officials including South Zone Joint Commissioner Sibas Kalyan, along with Deputy Commissioner Karthikeyan, Assistant Commissioner Bharat, and Traffic Joint Commissioner Vijayakumar, visited Vijay’s residence.
Tambaram Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar visited the TVK office in Panaiyur, reports said. This comes amidst reports of party cadres and supporters gathering at the party HQ in Panaiyur to celebrate.