In a significant political development, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah advocated for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay to be given the opportunity to form a government in Tamil Nadu and prove his majority in the assembly. Abdullah’s comments amplify calls for democratic processes amidst the ongoing political upheaval in the state.
The statement came after Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar rejected Vijay’s claim to form the government on Thursday, highlighting that the TVK leader does not hold the requisite numbers to establish majority in the 234-member Assembly. Although Congress has offered its support with five MLAs, Vijay’s party still falls short of the necessary simple majority of 118 lawmakers.
In light of this, Abdullah highlighted the importance of adhering to established legal practices, referencing numerous Supreme Court judgments that underscore the need for inviting the single largest party to form the government and subsequently allow them to present their majority in the assembly.
“If we consider the Supreme Court judgment, then there is no basis for the imposition of President’s rule in Tamil Nadu,” Abdullah stated during a press briefing. “The Supreme Court has repeatedly indicated that after elections, the largest party should be invited to form the government. It is their right to prove their majority on the assembly floor,” he added, advocating for democratic norms to prevail.
Abdullah drew parallels with historical precedents, recalling that when former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee formed a government for just 13 days, the President did not hesitate to allow him to present his numbers. “When Vajpayee did not have the numbers, he resigned,” Abdullah remarked, emphasizing that the same principle should apply in the present Tamil Nadu context.
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister further criticized the inaction and cautioned against stifling the political process, remarking, “The Tamil Nadu Lok Bhavan has no justification to hinder this process.” He reaffirmed that Vijay should be given the chance to form the government and prove his majority.
“If he succeeds, he will remain in office; if he fails, resigning will be the right course of action,” Abdullah concluded, urging all stakeholders to respect the democratic process.
This situation in Tamil Nadu remains a topic of heated discussion, with many watching closely how the political landscape will unfold in the coming weeks.
