Congress Leader Singhvi Criticises Governor Arlekar for Refusing to Call Vijay to Form Tamil Nadu Government

Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi has sharply criticised Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar for refusing to invite actor-turned-politician Vijay to form the government despite his party emerging as the single largest force in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Singhvi described the governor’s actions as “deplorable and unprecedented” and accused him of undermining constitutional norms.

The controversy erupted after Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, secured 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly during its electoral debut. Although the party fell short of the majority mark of 118 seats, it emerged as the single largest party in the state. The governor has reportedly insisted that Vijay first produce letters of support from 118 legislators before being invited to form the government.

Singhvi argued that constitutional practice requires the governor to invite the largest party leader to take an oath and then prove majority on the floor of the Assembly within a specified time. He pointed out that Vijay had already presented support from 113 legislators, including five Congress MLAs, and said the governor’s refusal to provide an opportunity for a floor test violated democratic principles and established parliamentary precedent.

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The Congress leader also drew parallels with the 1996 general election, when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was invited to form the government despite lacking a clear majority. Singhvi said Vajpayee was given time to prove his numbers in Parliament and later resigned after failing to secure majority support. He questioned why a similar constitutional approach was not being followed in Tamil Nadu.

The political deadlock has intensified speculation about possible alliances involving major regional parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, as smaller parties weigh their support options. Singhvi also accused governors appointed by the central government of weakening India’s federal structure by acting in line with political interests rather than constitutional conventions, alleging that the current stand-off could create conditions for prolonged instability in the state.

The standoff between the governor and TVK has now entered a crucial phase, with reports suggesting Vijay’s party may consider legal action if the impasse continues. Smaller regional parties and allies are expected to play a decisive role in determining whether TVK can secure the numbers needed to form the next government in Tamil Nadu.

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