Amid intense political activity in Tamil Nadu, 28 AIADMK MLAs have been moved to a Puducherry resort. The MLAs are reportedly supporters of CV Shanmugam, amid talks of a possible power-sharing deal with TVK chief Vijay's party for government formation.
Twenty-eight AIADMK MLAs have reportedly been accommodated at a private resort in Poorankuppam in Puducherry amid intense political activity over government formation in Tamil Nadu.
The move has triggered speculation in political circles as reports suggest that the MLAs are supporters of senior AIADMK leader CV Shanmugam.
TVK Short of Majority
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has already secured the support of five Congress MLAs but still requires the backing of six more legislators to reach the majority mark in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Governor Demands Proof of Numbers
Amid all the political drama, earlier, the Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar asked TVK chief Vijay to show majority numbers and submit a list of supporting MLAs during the second round of discussions held in Chennai on Thursday, sources said.
According to sources, the Governor sought clarity on the "magic number" required for government formation and asked Vijay to furnish details of legislators backing TVK's claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu.
Power-Sharing Negotiations Underway
However, sources said that efforts are underway regarding possible support to TVK for government formation, and discussions are reportedly being held with AIADMK leaders through senior party functionaries, including Former Tamil Nadu Minister and TVK candidate KA Sengottaiyan.
Sources also claimed that discussions are taking place over a possible power-sharing arrangement, under which CV Shanmugam could be offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister along with key ministerial portfolios.
Political speculation intensified after all 28 MLAs were shifted to the private resort in Puducherry.
Rift in AIADMK Over Supporting TVK
According to sources, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has not agreed to the proposal of supporting TVK, leading to differences within sections of the party leadership.
Sources further claimed that leaders, including CV Shanmugam and OS Manian are in favour of extending support to TVK in return for major positions in the proposed government.
Alternative Scenarios Explored
Meanwhile, Party seniors have reportedly suggested that TVK explore legal options by approaching either the Supreme Court or the High Court regarding the government formation process. Some leaders also suggested the possibility of going for re-election, sources added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)