CM Vijay hints at corruption files ahead of crucial Tamil Nadu bypolls

The ruling TVK is preparing an extensive strategy for the anticipated bypolls to seven vacant Assembly constituencies, with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay signalling that alleged corruption files concerning the previous government could be made public during the campaign.

Seven of Tamil Nadu’s 234 Assembly constituencies -- Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Madurantakam, Dharapuram, Ambasamudram, Karur and Viralimalai -- are currently vacant. Byelections could not be held in Tiruchi East, Karur, Viralimalai, Perundurai and Ambasamudram because election petitions challenging the results in these constituencies are pending.

The Madras High Court’s stay preventing byelections in the five seats is expected to expire on August 24. The Election Commission is therefore expected to initiate the process of holding byelections in all seven vacant constituencies shortly.

Victory in the byelections is crucial for the TVK, which formed the government after the recent Assembly election without securing an absolute majority on its own. The party won 107 seats, falling 11 short of the 118 required for a majority in the 234-member House. It formed the government with support from Congress, which has five MLAs, and two legislators each from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Nadu Party, CPI, CPI(M) and Indian Union Muslim League.

Although the Congress party and two other allies are represented in the Cabinet and are unlikely to withdraw their support, the two Communist parties could reconsider their position if differences emerge over issues affecting the public.

Such a development could place the government under pressure. If the TVK wins all seven vacant seats, its strength will increase to 114, leaving it only four seats short of a majority.

The continued support from Congress or a combination of smaller allies would then ensure the government’s stability for its full term.

CM Vijay indicated the government’s campaign strategy during the Assembly session on August 19 when the Opposition demanded documentary evidence for allegations raised by Ministers.

The Chief Minister said the government possessed evidence relating to several sectors and that the relevant files were on his table. “I did not want to say this, but they are asking for evidence. Everything is on my table with proof,” CM Vijay said.

He added that the files would be opened “at the appropriate time”, before hinting that the disclosures could influence the forthcoming byelections.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by Education Post)