Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Thursday arrived at Raj Bhavan in Chennai to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for the second time in less than 24 hours to stake claim to form the government.
Senior TVK leaders accompanied Vijay during the meeting.
The second round of talks comes a day after Vijay first met Arlekar following the Congress' decision to extend post-poll support to the TVK.
Vijay, who won from the Tiruchirapalli East and Perambur constituencies, had on Wednesday submitted letters of support from 113 MLAs, including five Congress legislators who formally backed the TVK.
However, the governor reportedly informed him that the number fell short of the 118 required for a majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly and asked him to return with additional support.
Earlier on Thursday, Vijay convened a key meeting of the party’s MLAs-elect in Chennai to discuss government formation, according to reports. During the meeting, the TVK is likely to elect its legislature party leader, the source added.
The TVK won 108 seats in the Assembly elections held on April 23. However, Vijay will have to resign from one of the two constituencies he won.
TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice.
Several supporters highlighted Vijay's decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
