IN Tamil Nadu, CPI(M) faced the election as part of the DMK front to defeat the ADMK-BJP alliance in the state. Though the allocation of seats to be contested by us was not satisfactory, five seats offered by DMK were accepted and work was started in the larger interest and the main goal of defeating ADMK-BJP alliance. CPI(M) contested in Padmanabhapuram, Palani, Thiruvotriyur and the two seats won by us in 2021, Keezhvelur and Gandharvakottai. It secured victory in two seats, namely Padmanabhapuram and Keezhvelur.

On May 4, at a very early stage of counting, the trend of Thamizhar Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) led by Vijay marching ahead was becoming clear. At the end of the day, TVK emerged victorious with 108 seats, 10 short of absolute majority in a house of 234 seats. DMK and its allies won 73 and ADMK and its allies secured 53 seats. With this fractured verdict, it was a hung assembly which has not been seen by Tamil Nadu till now.

TVK became the single largest party. DMK front came second with DMK 59, INC 5, CPI(M), CPI, VCK and IUML  2 each, and DMDK 1. ADMK front came third with ADMK 47, PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) 4, the AMMK and BJP 1 each.

CPI(M) candidate Com.R.Chellaswamy won in Padmanabhapuram (Kanyakumari district) with a margin of 15,569 votes. Com. T.Latha won the Keezhvelur seat (Nagapattinam district) with a margin of 2278 votes. CPM came third and lost Palani seat by a margin of 1452 votes. In Gandharvakottai, we came third with a defeat margin of 12,061 votes. In Thiruvotriyur, we came second and lost by a margin of more than 50,000 votes.

TVK seemed to have garnered votes from all sections of people. The public support to Vijay seems to be cutting across money power, factors like social composition, caste, etc. The slogan of change seemed to have made an impact on the people. A thorough analysis of the electoral strategy, tactics and performance of the TVK is urgently needed to understand the underlying phenomena and reasons behind the TVK performance. This will help us in framing our response to the post-election situation and chalk out our future course.

The power game started on May 4 itself. TVK, as the single largest party, had more opportunity to form the govt and they started approaching many parties including Congress, Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruththai Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and so on. Congress responded immediately and came forward to extend support. Their statement mentioned that the alliance will extend to future local body elections, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections too.

GOVERNOR’S DUBIOUS ROLE

Meanwhile, the Governor repeatedly rejected Vijay’s claim citing technical reasons. He insisted that TVK has to demonstrate the support of 118 MLAs to him, stating that the governor has such discretionary powers. There are a number of Supreme Court rulings as precedents to call the single largest party to form the government and to allow them to prove their majority on the floor of the assembly.

Many political parties including CPI(M) criticised the attitude of the Governor as undemocratic and emphasised that he cannot take on the role of the assembly. It was obvious that BJP government at the centre was behind the Governor’s postures. His attitude was, of course, not unexpected. Right from the time Modi’s government came into being, misuse of central agencies and constitutional bodies was systematically done to attack the opposition. Using the offices of governor, BJP govt stalled many decisions of the elected non-BJP state governments. This conspiracy comes to the fore especially at the time of govt formation at the state level. Tamil Nadu governor was vehemently criticising horse trading. But his delaying tactics were meant to give time for horse trading of ADMK.

While TVK’s govt formation was getting delayed, a shocking idea was floated that the ADMK will form the govt with E.Palanisamy as CM. They will ‘distance’ themselves from the BJP, DMK would be asked to support such an arrangement. Alliance partners of ADMK and DMK would be asked to support the government. It was alleged that BJP will not disturb these efforts. It could be probably because they may not want a Congress-backed govt. First of all, this was highly opportunistic. Secondly the parties who were pushed to second and third positions joining together and forming government implies huge disrespect for the people’s mandate. This idea was totally unacceptable to us.

LEFT SUPPORT TO TVK GOVT

If no party or combination gets the majority number by May 10, when the tenure of the previous govt comes to an end, Presidential rule will come into effect. It is equivalent to centre’s rule which should not be allowed to happen.

In this complex situation, to avoid BJP’s manipulations and presidential rule, to enable the formation of a secular and stable elected government, CPI(M) in its state secretariat and state committee meetings, held on May 8, decided to extend outside support to TVK government formation, without being part of the ministry. Tamil Nadu state unit of the CPI, in their meeting on May 8, took the same decision. After giving the letter of support, secretaries of both parties held a joint press meet and explained the decisions. They also explained that joint actions on people's issues, secularism, state rights, etc. will be continued with DMK and other secular parties.

The Governor, after rejecting TVK‘s claim three times, finally consented only when Vijay met him for the fourth time, when TVK had the support of 120 MLAs. This was made possible due to the crucial role played by left parties, later joined by VCK and IUML.

When Vijay visited the offices of Left parties to convey his thanks, CPI(M) made it clear that the letter of support is for forming a secular government. He assured that it would be a secular government.

A major crisis was thwarted and swearing in ceremony was completed on May 10. The new govt has a lot on its plate. CPI(M), as a constructive opposition party, will continue to fight for people's welfare inside and outside the assembly.