Tamil Nadu LIVE: M. K. Stalin says ‘will wait and watch’ as Vijay’s oath delayed, Governor unconvinced over majority numbers

Vijay is unlikely to take oath as Tamil Nadu chief minister on Thursday despite earlier indications that the swearing-in ceremony could take place on May 7, according to sources familiar with the developments.

The actor-turned-politician is still working to secure enough support to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, sources said on Wednesday.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections with 108 seats, but remains 10 short of the halfway mark of 118 required to form the government.

The situation is expected to become more complicated as Vijay is likely to vacate one of the two Assembly seats he won in the elections, reducing the party’s effective strength in the House to 107.

On Wednesday, Vijay met Rajendra Arlekar and reportedly submitted a list of TVK and Congress legislators who have pledged support to his party, according to leaders from the Tamil Nadu Congress who spoke on condition of anonymity.

However, officials at Raj Bhavan indicated that no formal decision has yet been taken on inviting Vijay to form the government or scheduling the oath-taking ceremony.

According to ANI, the Governor is unconvinced about the numbers presented so far and believes TVK does not yet have “official figures” demonstrating majority support in the Assembly.

Officials also said the Governor is seeking legal opinion before making any decision on government formation.

The uncertainty has intensified political suspense in Tamil Nadu, where negotiations between parties and independent legislators are expected to continue over the coming days as TVK attempts to secure the support required to stake claim to power.