Chennai, May 9 (IANS) AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday congratulated all candidates and parties that emerged victorious in the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, even as uncertainty continued over who would form the next government in the state.

In a statement, Palaniswami said he extended his heartfelt wishes to the party that would eventually form the government in Tamil Nadu.

His remarks came amid intense political activity and negotiations following the fractured mandate delivered in the Assembly polls.

Polling for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu was held in a single phase on April 23. The election witnessed a fierce four-cornered contest involving the DMK alliance, AIADMK alliance, Naam Tamilar Katchi, and Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

TVK emerged as the single largest party by winning 108 seats and has since been attempting to secure the numbers required to form the government.

While Congress and the Left parties have already extended support to TVK, the party continues to await formal backing from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), whose decision is expected to play a decisive role in the formation of the next government.

VCK has announced that party president Thol Thirumavalavan will make an official statement regarding support to TVK at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Political observers believe the announcement could determine whether Vijay is able to comfortably cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

Meanwhile, fresh controversy erupted after AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran lodged a complaint alleging that a fake support letter in the name of AMMK MLA Kamaraj had been submitted in favour of TVK.

Political observers said that if Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar decides to examine the allegations of “horse-trading” and forged support documents in detail, it could delay the process of government formation in Tamil Nadu.

Political circles are also speculating that the Governor may direct supporting MLAs to appear in person to verify their letters of support before taking a final decision on inviting any party to form the government.

With negotiations continuing behind the scenes and political tensions escalating, Tamil Nadu remains in suspense over who will ultimately take charge of the next government.

–IANS

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