Two More Allies Join Vijay Government, Cabinet Strength Reaches Full Capacity

New Delhi: A major development has come to light in Tamil Nadu politics, where two MLAs from Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) have extended support to Chief Minister Joseph Vijay government. On Friday, IUML's Papanasam MLA AM Shahjahan and VCK's Tindivanam MLA Vanni Arasu took oath as ministers. With this, Vijay Cabinet is now completely ready. Earlier, 21 MLAs of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) and two of Congress had also taken oath as ministers.

Has Vijay government now got a stable majority?

Vijay's party TVK had emerged as the largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party had won 108 seats in the 234-member assembly but fell short of the majority mark. After this, political talks continued for several days regarding government formation. Ultimately, Vijay proved majority in the assembly with the support of Congress, left parties, VCK and IUML. Vijay government got 144 votes in the floor test held on May 13.

Did VCK and IUML increase the suspense till the last moment?

Most of the discussion in political circles was about the stance of VCK and IUML. Both the parties had not opened their cards for a long time and had not made it clear whether they would go with the Vijay government or not. Even just before the swearing-in, neither party made public the names of their MLAs. Later, both parties extended their support saying that their aim was to avoid political instability and governor's rule like situations in the state.

Are allies keeping distance from DMK?

Political analysts believe that VCK and IUML are currently working on a “wait and watch” strategy. Both parties first want to see how the Vijay government works and what the political equations become for them in the future. It is believed that at present these parties have not directly distanced themselves from DMK, but by supporting the Vijay government, they have definitely given indications of new equations in the politics of Tamil Nadu.

Is the cabinet complete with 35 ministers?

According to the total seats in Tamil Nadu Assembly, a maximum of 35 ministers including the Chief Minister can be made. Vijay had already taken oath as chief minister along with his nine ministers. Now after the induction of new ministers, his cabinet is considered complete. Political experts say that Vijay is trying to run a stable government by taking allies along.

Has a new era started in Tamil Nadu politics?

The coming to power of film actor turned politician Joseph Vijay is being seen as a major change in the politics of Tamil Nadu. In politics which was limited between DMK and AIADMK for a long time, now the third force seems to be getting stronger. There is discussion across the state about the government formed under the leadership of Vijay and now everyone's eyes are on how long this alliance will last.