Tamil Nadu Political Crisis: Constitutional Debate Over Governor’s Role and Floor Test Demands

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for the second consecutive day on Thursday to discuss the formation of the state government.

The meeting follows a deadlock in the 234-member Assembly, where TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats. While the party has claimed the support of 113 legislators, including five Congress MLAs, it remains short of the 118-seat threshold required for a majority.

The stalemate has centered on a constitutional dispute over whether a governor must see proof of a majority before inviting a leader to form a government, or if the single largest party should be invited first and subsequently prove its strength via a floor test in the Assembly.

Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar stated that the Governor’s remit is to invite TVK chief Vijay and subsequently request a floor test to verify majority support.

Conversely, legal expert Harish Salve told NDTV that Governor Arlekar is “within bounds” in his handling of the Tamil Nadu deadlock.

The Governor, who was appointed to his position ahead of the polls, has faced criticism from various political leaders. These critics argue that any test of a party’s majority must take place on the floor of the House rather than through preliminary assessments at the Governor’s residence.

The impasse continues as the state awaits a decision on who will be invited to form the next ministry.