Congress MLAs shifted to Hyderabad amid poaching fears

Chennai, May 9:

Adding another layer of drama to the high-stakes government formation battle in Tamil Nadu, four Congress MLAs from the state left for Hyderabad late on Friday night, triggering intense political speculation.
According to party sources, MLAs Viswanathan, S. Rajesh Kumar, Jamal Mohamed, and Tharaki boarded a flight around 7 pm following directives from the Congress high command. Their sudden relocation comes at a crucial juncture, as parties scramble to secure the numbers required to form the government.
The development follows the emergence of C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam as the single largest party in the Assembly elections with 107 seats. With 118 seats needed for a majority in the 234-member House, TVK has been actively seeking support from Congress, Left parties, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.
Earlier, all five Congress MLAs had reportedly submitted letters backing Vijay’s bid to form the government. However, despite this support, TVK remained short of the majority mark, prolonging uncertainty throughout the day.
The situation improved marginally after the state units of Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India extended their support, contributing two seats each. This pushed TVK’s tally to 116—just two short of the required majority—intensifying the political contest.
Amid rising concerns over possible poaching of legislators, the Congress leadership reportedly decided to move its MLAs to a Congress-ruled state as a precautionary measure. Telangana, where the party is in power, was chosen as a safe location to keep its legislators together during the volatile phase.
Interestingly, Congress MLA Praveen did not travel with the group. Sources suggest he may leave separately, while some reports indicate he has already reached Bengaluru, adding further intrigue to the unfolding developments.
With numbers still hanging in the balance and political maneuvering intensifying, Tamil Nadu’s government formation process remains on a knife edge, with every move by parties and legislators being closely watched.