Chennai

A brief spell of tension unfolded outside Lok Bhavan in Chennai on Thursday after supporters of actor-turned-politician Vijay staged a protest demanding that Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar invite the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief to form the next government in Tamil Nadu.

The demonstration came amid growing frustration within the party over the delay in an invitation from Raj Bhavan, despite TVK claiming it has submitted the support of 112 legislators, including backing from the Indian National Congress.

The protesters, many of whom had travelled from Tiruppur district, argued that as the single largest party with 108 MLAs, TVK has the constitutional right to be called first to form the government.

Citing the landmark S. R. Bommai v. Union of India judgment, party workers told reporters that questions surrounding majority support must be tested on the floor of the Assembly rather than at the Governor’s residence.

The demonstrators also accused the Governor of delaying the process and alleged political bias in not extending an invitation to Vijay. Holding placards and raising slogans outside Lok Bhavan, they created a brief law-and-order situation, prompting police personnel to step in and bring the situation under control.

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Expressing disappointment that Vijay’s swearing-in had not taken place on Thursday, several cadres said they would remain in Chennai until the oath-taking ceremony is officially announced.