Thol Thirumavalavan, the president of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), announced on Saturday that his party would extend outside support to the Tamil Nadu chief of the Tamilaga Valvu Kuzhu (TVK), Vijay, in forming the state government. Thirumavalavan emphasized that this decision was taken to prevent President's Rule, which would be imposed if the TVK failed to form a government by the May 10 deadline. He clarified that the support is not a coalition but rather a constitutional obligation to ensure the state's stability following a fractured electoral mandate. The VCK, which secured two seats in the recent assembly elections, consulted with its leaders and leftist parties before making this decision. Thirumavalavan also informed DMK president M.K. Stalin of their choice, who expressed his support for the decision. The VCK's backing, along with support from other parties, elevates the TVK's assembly tally to 120 in the 234-member assembly, crucial for avoiding a potential re-election.