Chennai, 07 May (H.S.):Amid continuing uncertainty over government formation in Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) on Thursday announced statewide protests against Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and the BJP-led Union government for not inviting Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C. Joseph Vijay to form the next government despite his party emerging as the single-largest formation in the Assembly elections.

The protests, scheduled to be held at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu on Friday morning, are expected to witness the participation of senior Congress leaders, legislators, district presidents, office-bearers and party cadres. The Congress leadership has instructed party workers across the State to mobilise support for the agitation.

Escalating its attack on the BJP and the Governor, TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai alleged that attempts were being made to deny TVK its democratic right to form the government through “backroom political manoeuvring.” He accused the Governor of acting under pressure from the BJP-led Union government instead of following established constitutional norms.

The Congress leader said the people of Tamil Nadu had delivered a clear verdict against the traditional political establishment and that delaying an invitation to Vijay to form the government amounted to disrespecting the public mandate. He also alleged that unconstitutional methods were being employed to create political uncertainty in the State.

“The BJP and its puppet Governor are indulging in unconstitutional actions to prevent TVK from forming the government despite the people clearly rejecting the traditional political order in the State,” Selvaperunthagai said.

The agitation comes amid continuing uncertainty over government formation following a fractured verdict in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats, dramatically altering the State’s political landscape.

The Congress, which has already extended support to TVK, has maintained that Vijay should be invited to form the government and prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly, in line with parliamentary convention.

Meanwhile, Lok Bhavan sources indicated that the Governor has sought proof of adequate numerical support before taking a final decision on government formation.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman