The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is reportedly seeking major positions in the next Tamil Nadu government, including the post of Deputy Chief Minister, as negotiations intensify over extending support to the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government in the state. The development follows the April 23 Assembly elections, in which TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly.

Key Demands on the Table

According to party sources, the Thol Thirumavalavan-led VCK held a virtual high-level meeting chaired by the party chief on Friday to discuss power-sharing arrangements. The discussions reportedly centred on the party's possible role in a TVK-led administration and the conditions under which support could be extended.

Sources indicated that the VCK has demanded the Deputy Chief Minister's post for Thirumavalavan, along with Cabinet berths for its two newly elected MLAs. The party secured two seats in the April 23 polls and is now seen as a crucial player in the ongoing political negotiations over government formation.

Tiruchirapalli East Bypoll Speculation

Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Thirumavalavan could contest a by-election from Tiruchirapalli East if the seat falls vacant. TVK chief Vijay, who won from two constituencies in the Assembly election, is expected to retain the Perambur seat in Chennai, which could pave the way for a bypoll in Tiruchirapalli East.

Policy Demands Raised by VCK

Beyond the question of ministerial posts, the VCK leadership is also understood to have raised several policy-related demands during the virtual discussions. These reportedly include the continuation of commissions constituted by the previous government to probe caste killings, and the implementation of reservations in promotions for Dalits in government jobs — longstanding demands of the Dalit rights party.

Thirumavalavan Meets Stalin

Amid the fast-moving political developments, Thirumavalavan met outgoing Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K. Stalin on Friday night, further fuelling speculation over the VCK's final decision and the evolving political equations in Tamil Nadu. The VCK has maintained that the party which received the people's mandate should be given the opportunity to form the government, and has also opposed any move towards Governor's rule in the state.

With TVK still short of the majority mark and coalition arithmetic in flux, the coming days are expected to be decisive in determining the shape of Tamil Nadu's next government.