Vijay's numbers nightmare ends

It's 'whistle podu' time at the TVK headquarters. Superstar Vijay's numbers nightmare has ended. The actor who struggled to hit the halfway mark after delivering a big electoral superhit earlier this week has finally secured the majority - paving the way for the first coalition government in Tamil Nadu and for Vijay to take oath as chief minister.

Vijay met Governor Rajendra Arlekar in the evening to stake claim and the oath is likely to take place on Sunday afternoon, sources said. Arlekar, who is also the governor of Kerala, was supposed to leave for the state around 7 pm, but cancelled that flight, reports NDTV.

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), both having two MLAs each, have now extended their unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). With their backing, the TVK-led coalition's strength now reaches 120, past the 118-halfway mark. 

The VCK's letter of support, accessed by NDTV, says that the decision to back Vijay was to ensure a stable and democratic government in Tamil Nadu.

"Dr Thol Thirumavalavan, president of the TVK, on behalf of our two MLAs, hereby convey our support to the TVK, under the leadershup of its President and Legislature Party leader, Mr C Joseph Vijay, for the purpose of forming the government in the state of Tamil Nadu. This support...is being conveyed in the intest of ensuring stable and democratic governance for the people of Tamil Nadu. I request your Excellency to kindly take on record our unconditional support," reads the letter, signed by VCK's Legislature Party leader Vanni Arasu addressed to Governor RV Arlekar.

Confirming the support, VCK chief Thirumavalavan said "At present, we are focused on only one thing. We should not allow a situation to arise where we are unable to form a Vijay government. We should not allow President's rule to come into effect in Tamil Nadu. On this basis, standing outside and extending our support is an aid to forming a government."