Chennai, May 8:
Tamil Nadu’s post-election political flux took a dramatic turn on Thursday, with intense speculation about a possible coming together of arch-rivals Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to keep Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from forming the government.
Fueling the buzz, DMK president and outgoing Chief Minister M. K. Stalin struck a markedly cautious note, asking newly elected legislators to remain in Chennai until May 10 and to abide by any decision taken by the party leadership.
Addressing them at Anna Arivalayam, Stalin signalled that while he preferred the role of a “constructive opposition,” decisions would ultimately be guided by the party’s interests.
The remarks mark a shift from his earlier public position of respecting the people’s mandate and allowing TVK to assume office without obstruction. The change in tone has lent weight to speculation that the DMK may be keeping its options open amid the evolving arithmetic.
The possibility of an unusual alignment gains context from Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s recent observations that he would not hesitate to invite any formation — including a post-poll alliance — that is able to demonstrate the support of 118 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly. His insistence on clear numbers before inviting a party to form the government has effectively widened the field for alternative combinations.