‘People’s Verdict Must Be Respected’

Several actors, including Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj and Vishal, have extended their support to actor and chief minister-elect Vijay after his oath-taking ceremony was postponed. Originally scheduled for Thursday, the ceremony has been deferred as the Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, has reportedly said that he will wait till Vijay provides numeric evidence of majority support before inviting him to form the government.

Kamal Haasan

Calling it Tamil Nadu’s first hung Assembly verdict, Kamal Haasan said denying Vijay-led TVK, the single-largest party with 108 seats, a chance to form the government would disrespect the people’s mandate. “This is an insult to the state; it is damaging to democracy. In the S.R. Bommai case, the SC has stated, ‘Majority must be proven in the Legislative Assembly, not in Raj Bhavan.’ What I am speaking about is not party politics. This is the policy voice of an Indian citizen. The verdict of the people of TN must be respected.”

Prakash Raj

Despite earlier criticising Vijay’s political entry, Prakash Raj reacted again as the TVK chief met the Governor on Thursday to stake claim to form the government. Responding to a post accusing the Governor of “playing games with elected MLAs”, he posted,, “This Governor’s behaviour is disgusting .. unacceptable and unconstitutional. We may have differences … but Vijay has got the mandate. He should be allowed to claim his right on the floor of the house.” He also reposted a post, “Why is the TN governor (a senior BJP leader from Goa) keeping TVK’s Vijay waiting when no other party has staked claim to form a government? What ‘game’ is being played in Chennai?”

Vishal

Actor Vishal slammed the TN Governor’s actions on X. He posted, “Just like the same scenario that happened in 2017 /18 in Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya and most importantly in Karnataka, the government was formed and then was asked to prove their majority in the ‘floor test’ in the assembly. Why is the governor of Tamil Nadu hesitating to give Vijay the chance to form the government in the same manner. What is the respect for the people's mandate??????”