Chennai

Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s efforts to secure enough support to form the next government in Tamil Nadu received a major boost on Friday after the Communist Party of India (CPI) formally extended its backing to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

With the CPI’s support, the fledgling party has moved closer to the majority mark as Vijay continues his push to stake claim to form the government. Sources said the TVK chief is scheduled to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar later in the evening to present the latest numbers in support of his bid.

CPI leaders, after internal consultations led by state secretary M Veerapandian, decided to offer unconditional support to TVK and submitted a formal letter to the Governor endorsing the party’s claim.

TVK, which emerged as the single largest party by winning 108 seats in the recently concluded Assembly election, remains short of the 118-seat majority in the 234-member House. The party has been reaching out to smaller parties and allies of the DMK-led alliance to bridge the gap.

Earlier, the Congress, which secured five seats, had already announced its support for Vijay. TVK has also approached the CPI(M) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), both of which won two seats each.

Sources indicated that the CPI(M) is likely to announce its stand later in the day, while the VCK has scheduled a high-level virtual meeting to deliberate on the issue.

VCK founder Thol Thirumavalavan said the party’s leadership would carefully assess the current political situation before arriving at a decision.

“The election results were declared only a few days ago. It is important to consult all senior leaders and understand their views before taking such a crucial decision,” he told reporters.

He declined to speculate on possible political combinations, saying the party would announce its official position after internal discussions.

This will be Vijay’s third consecutive meeting with the Governor since the election results were declared. Sources in TVK said he is expected to place fresh letters of support before the Governor and reiterate the party’s constitutional claim as the single largest formation.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders staged a protest in Chennai accusing the Governor of delaying the invitation to Vijay despite TVK’s emergence as the largest party and its ongoing efforts to secure majority support.

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Political activity in the state has intensified as parties weigh their options amid an evolving post-election scenario. Vijay, who has won from two constituencies, will also be required to vacate one seat in accordance with Election Commission norms.