A retired IPS officer moved the Supreme Court of India challenging Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for not inviting C Joseph Vijay to form government despite TVK emerging as the single largest party, seeking a floor test to prove majority.
A retired IPS officer approached the Supreme Court on Saturday, challenging the Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s decision not to invite TVK leader C Joseph Vijay to form the government, even though TVK emerged as the single largest party following Assembly elections.
The petition was filed by former IPS officer M Ramasubramani, who previously served as Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police.
The plea contends that the Governor’s action amounts to an unconstitutional determination of the majority outside the Assembly. It further argues that TVK should be given the opportunity to demonstrate its strength through a floor test.
Earlier a functionary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to invite actor-politician Vijay to form the government and administer the oath of office to him as Chief Minister.
Background: Vijay stakes claim amid suspense
Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay marked a political breakthrough in Tamil Nadu after TVK emerged as the single largest party. Yet, almost five days after vote counting concluded, the state still does not have clarity over who will ultimately form the government.
The Supreme Court plea comes after a political standstill following election results declared on May 4. The elections were among the most closely watched in recent years, with voting held on April 23, and a record voter turnout of 85.1% the highest in the state’s electoral history.
TVK secured 108 seats 10 short of the majority mark while the Congress party, which won five seats, has extended support to Vijay. Still, Vijay is said to require backing from at least five additional legislators to reach 118. The outcome disrupted the longstanding electoral dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics.
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No official confirmation has emerged regarding where the extra support would come from. Meanwhile, Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Wednesday and formally staked claim to form the government. He reportedly met the Governor again on Thursday as discussions on government formation continued.
A few hours after the second meeting, the Governor’s office issued a press statement clarifying that:
“the requisite majority support in the legislative assembly, essential for forming the government, has not been established”.
According to multiple media reports, Governor Arlekar has asked Vijay to submit proof that he has the support of at least 118 MLAs before he can be invited to form the government.
The matter is expected to raise constitutional questions regarding the extent of a Governor’s discretion in inviting parties to form governments in a hung Assembly, and the significance of floor tests in determining legislative majority.
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