Amid uncertainty over government formation, reports suggest that actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK has been engaging in talks with the AIADMK for the last two days. Former AIADMK leader and current TVK MLA Sengottayan led the talks for the party, while AIADMK is represented by its MLA Leema Rose, who is also the mother-in-law of Aadhav Arjuna, a key TVK executive.
Local media reports hint that Edappadi Palaniswami greenlit the talks after being pressured by party senior leader C.V. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani. Speculations are that Edappadi asked for five Cabinet posts and the post of Speaker. He also wanted the alliance to be exclusive between TVK and AIADMK. He also wanted full freedom in governance, according to reports.
However, Vijay is said to have not accepted Edappadi Palaniswami's condition as he does not want to be held hostage by the AIADMK alone. Instead, he wants a broad alliance that would include the Congress, Left parties and other regional parties.
The talks, which began on Tuesday, broke down around noon on Wednesday. The Congress, which offered conditional support to the TVK, was against any association with parties that have a pro-BJP stance. However, Palaniswami backed out of the talks because the AIADMK’s influence would decrease in a multi-party alliance, and he would not have decision-making power.
This is also said to have prompted the AIADMK to move its MLAs to the resort in Puducherry. Palaniswami fears that the TVK might try to sway MLAs. There are also unconfirmed reports that there is a split within the party over offering support to TVK.
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One faction believes that they should join hands with Vijay without any conditions and share power, or else the party will be weakened. The other faction supports Palaniswami's honourable struggle.
Meanwhile, Vijay has convened a meeting of his MLAs on the next course of action. Sources told local media reports that he could address the MLA-elect, brief them on the prevailing political developments, instill confidence among them, and urge them to remain united.
