Cong offered two ministerial posts in TVK-led govt, claims TNCC chief

TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai on Friday said that the Congress will be part of the new government in Tamil Nadu led by actor-politician Vijay-led TVK and claimed that it was offered two ministerial posts and one Rajya Sabha seat.

TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai on Friday said that the Congress will be part of the new government in Tamil Nadu led by actor-politician Vijay-led TVK and claimed that it was offered two ministerial posts and one Rajya Sabha seat. Speaking to reporters here after a statewide protest against the Governor's delay in inviting the single largest party (TVK) to form the government, Selvaperunthagai said the party top brass is currently finalising the details of their participation. ''They (TVK) have said two ministers and one Rajya Sabha member.'' However, the final decision on the number of portfolios and specific demands rests with the Congress national leadership, he said. Dismissing concerns regarding a ''hung assembly'', the TNCC chief noted that the alliance has ''almost reached'' the required majority mark of 118 seats. He assured that the government would be stable once the majority is proven on the floor of the House. The TNCC chief criticised the Governor for the alleged delay in inviting the TVK to form the government. While the Congress joined the TVK-led alliance with specific conditions, Selvaperunthagai noted that the CPI and CPI(M) have extended unconditional support from the outside rather than joining the coalition formally. He welcomed their support, noting that national leaders had been in discussion with the Left parties. Selvaperunthagai said that this alliance is not merely for the current government formation but is intended to continue through local body elections and the Parliamentary elections. 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) and the VCK-- all DMK allies, seeking their support to form government after winning its maiden Assembly election in Tamil Nadu which was held on April 23. Apart from Congress (5 seats), the three others have two MLAs each in the 234-member House.