In a significant assertion regarding Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared on Friday that there is no justification for Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to prevent Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay from forming the government. Abdullah insisted that Vijay should be given an opportunity to demonstrate his majority in the assembly.
On Thursday, Governor Arlekar dismissed Vijay’s claim to form the government, citing that the party lacks the necessary numbers required for a simple majority. The latest political scenario reveals that while the Congress Party, holding five MLAs, extended its support to TVK, Vijay’s party still falls short of securing the required 118 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Abdullah emphasized that the imposition of President’s rule in Tamil Nadu lacks justification, referencing several Supreme Court judgments that advocate for the single largest party to be invited to form the government and subsequently prove its majority in the assembly. He articulated his views while addressing reporters regarding the ongoing political turmoil in Tamil Nadu.
“If we analyze the Supreme Court judgment, there should be no installation of President’s rule. Numerous cases illustrate that after elections, the leading party should be called upon to form the government and prove their majority in the assembly,” Abdullah stated.
He cited historical context, mentioning the instance when former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee briefly led a government for 13 days without prior confirmation of his numbers. “The President of India allowed him to form a government for those 13 days; however, once Vajpayee could not demonstrate his majority, he resigned,” Abdullah noted.
Further supporting his argument, Abdullah deliberated that based on Supreme Court interpretations, officials in Tamil Nadu have no valid reason for obstructing the process of allowing Vijay to prove his majority. “Vijay should indeed be permitted to form the government; should he succeed in proving his majority, he can remain in power. However, if he fails to demonstrate the requisite support, he should step down,” Abdullah concluded.
This conversation around governance in Tamil Nadu underlines the ongoing political tussle and raises pertinent questions regarding the role of state governors in determining government formation amidst unclear majorities.