VCK, IUML extend support to TVK, uncertainty ends over govt formation
Chennai (PTI): Ending the suspense, the VCK on Saturday declared unconditional support to Vijay-led TVK to form the government in Tamil Nadu, and the actor-politician is expected to call on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar soon.
Shortly after VCK's decision to back Vijay, another DMK ally, the IUML also extended support to TVK. IUML has two MLAs.
With the two small parties' support, the numbers in favour of TVK rose to120, two more than the simple majority mark of 118 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Putting an end to speculation and uncertainty over the new dispensation, TVK leader Adhav Arjuna told reporters that the VCK has extended support to his party.
Senior VCK leader Vanni Arasu, also the legislature party leader, has addressed a letter to Governor Arlekar declaring support to TVK.
"Victory" said Arjuna and thanked the Congress, Left parties and the VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan MP for supporting his party and expressed confidence that TVK founder-chief Vijay would become the Chief Minister.
VCK sources said the party, as of now, will extend outside support to Vijay in his bid to form TVK's maiden government.
Soon after the Thirumavalavan-led party's decision, the Indian Union Muslim League also assured its support to TVK.
Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, with 108 seats, but 10 short of a majority initially, had earlier reached out to the Congress, CPI, CPI (M),VCK and IUML-- all DMK allies, seeking their support to form the government after winning its maiden Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, which was held on April 23.
Vijay, who has won from two segments, has to resign from one of them, bringing down the party's strength to 107. The number of MLAs from parties supporting the TVK-- Congress (5) and the CPI, CPI (M), VCK and IUML with two MLAs each, stands at 13.
VCK President Dr. Thol. Thirumavalavan and Legislature Party Leader Vanni Arasu submitted letters to the Governor of Tamil Nadu extending unconditional support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam for the formation of the government in the state. pic.twitter.com/cHK6FxDmjJ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 9, 2026
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TCS case: AIMIM chief Owaisi decries 'media trial' of Nida Khan; asks if possessing burqa is crime
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (PTI): All India Majlis E Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday said it was wrong to associate his party to TCS case accused Nida Khan and asserted the latter will be proven innocent in court.
Khan, a key accused in the TCS sexual harassment-forced conversion case, was arrested from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday by Nashik police, following which AIMIM corporator Matin Patel was booked for sheltering her while she was on the run.
The developments have evoked sharp reactions from ruling Mahayuti leaders, including ministers Sanjay Shirsat and Nitesh Rane, who have called for a deeper probe against the AIMIM in the case.
Addressing reporters after a meeting of his party in connection with the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, Owaisi said Nida Khan is being subjected to a "media trial".
"Nida Khan was transferred from her job before the FIR was registered. We all have seen the statement of TCS. It says she is not connected in any manner to the HR department. Nine FIRs have been registered so far and in one of them, Nida Khan has been named for allegedly hurting religious sentiments," he said.
Asserting that the complainant in the case is a "member of the ruling party", the Lok Sabha MP questioned whether possession of a burqa or a book on Prophet Mohammad was illegal, adding that it is available in every Muslim household.
Earlier, in Delhi, police dubbed some youth as terrorists because a book of (legendary poet) Mirza Ghalib was found in their home, he pointed out.
"This is a media trial and if the media acts like judge and jury, it is dangerous. It will not serve the purpose of justice. We have faith that the court will deliver justice and the girl (Nida Khan) will be proven innocent. This case will not stand in court," Owaisi emphasised.
"This is being done with an intention to harass educated persons from the Muslim community. The allegations are coming out of hatred. The judiciary will play its role. But connecting a party with this case is completely wrong," he further said.
On his party colleague and corporator Matin Patel being booked, Owaisi said the charges will be contested in court.
He claimed such an environment was created after the blasts in Malegaon and Mumbai, but no one went to the families of those incarcerated once the judgement (of acquittal) was delivered.
The allegations against his party in the case at least means "we are not the B team of the BJP", the AIMIM chief added.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Nashik police is probing nine cases of molestation and harassment at the IT major's Nashik unit.
It had arrested eight persons, including a female operations manager, by registering nine FIRs after allegations of exploitation, attempt of forceful conversion, hurting religious sentiments, molestation and mental harassment of female employees at the TCS unit came to light.
Nida Khan is accused of targeting employees in a WhatsApp group, pressuring them to pray and eat non-vegetarian food. According to the FIR, she also allegedly advised women employees to dress and behave in accordance with Islamic traditions.
TCS has clarified that it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form for a long time, and the employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at the Nashik office have been suspended.
