AIADMK Shifts MLAs to Puducherry Amid Speculation Over Support to TVK

Chennai/Puducherry: Amid mounting uncertainty over government formation in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK has reportedly shifted its MLAs to a resort in Puducherry, fuelling speculation of intense political manoeuvring in the state.

AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan confirmed that party legislators are currently staying in Puducherry. However, he declined to reveal how many MLAs had been moved or the exact reason behind the decision, according to reports.

The development comes as indications emerge that the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K Palaniswami, was considering extending unconditional support to actor-politician Vijay and his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), to help form the government.

Sources suggest communication between the two parties began on Tuesday morning after TVK fell short of the numbers required for a majority in the 234-member Assembly. However, AIADMK leaders claim that there has been no response from TVK since Wednesday afternoon, adding further uncertainty to the negotiations.

At the same time, sharp divisions have reportedly surfaced within the AIADMK over whether the party should back Vijay. A faction led by Rajya Sabha MP C V Shanmugam is said to favour supporting TVK from outside the government. But another camp strongly opposes the move. Senior AIADMK leader K P Munusamy has publicly declared that the party should not support TVK under any circumstances.

TVK, which emerged as the single largest party in the election, is still attempting to secure the numbers needed to form a government. The party currently requires 11 more seats to cross the majority mark. Five Congress MLAs have reportedly already extended support, while the AIADMK holds 47 seats, making its position crucial in the evolving political equation.