Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah firmly stated on Friday that Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar should allow Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay to test his majority in the state assembly. Abdullah emphasized that halting this opportunity bears no justification.
On Thursday, Governor Arlekar rejected Vijay’s claim to form the government, citing the party’s insufficient numbers. The TVK currently lacks the simple majority needed to govern Tamil Nadu. While the Congress party has offered its support with five MLAs, TVK faces a deficit of numbers required for a simple majority of 118 in the 234-member assembly.
Abdullah expressed his discontent with the imposition of President’s rule in Tamil Nadu, noting the numerous Supreme Court judgments that advocate for inviting the single largest party to form the government, allowing them to demonstrate their majority on the assembly floor. “According to the Supreme Court judgement, there should be no President’s rule,” he remarked.
He further referred to historical context, stating, “When (former prime minister) A B Vajpayee formed the government for 13 days, the President of India did not wait for him to show his numbers. The President invited him, the government lasted 13 days but Vajpayee resigned when he lacked support.”
Highlighting the implications of the Supreme Court’s stance, Abdullah asserted that the Tamil Nadu Lok Bhavan “has no justification to halt this process”. He reiterated that Vijay should be permitted to form the government and allow time to prove his majority.
“If he proves his majority, he will remain in power; if not, he must step down,” Abdullah concluded, reiterating the democratic principle of giving elected representatives the opportunity to govern.
This recent political discourse underscores the challenges facing the TVK in Tamil Nadu following the assembly elections. As parties navigate the complexities of coalition politics, the calls for fair representation and procedural integrity echo through the halls of power in Tamil Nadu.
