As Tamil Nadu hurtles deeper into a high-stakes government formation battle, the AIADMK has moved its newly elected MLAs out of Chennai and into the lap of luxury in neighbouring Puducherry, reviving the familiar spectacle of “resort politics.”
The party’s legislators are currently lodged at the plush The Shore Trishvam resort, where private pool villas, beach-facing suites, gourmet dining, recreational activities and full-access hospitality have effectively turned political quarantine into a luxury retreat.
The move comes at a time when actor-politician Vijay and his party TVK are scrambling to stitch together numbers after emerging as the single largest party in the fractured Tamil Nadu Assembly, but still falling short of the majority mark.
With 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, TVK is 10 short of the 118 needed to form the government. Congress, which won five seats, has already pledged support, while Left parties, VCK and IUML are still weighing their options.
Amid the uncertainty, AIADMK’s 47 MLAs have suddenly become one of the most closely watched political blocs in the state.
LUXURY LOCKDOWN IN PUDUCHERRY
According to party sources, AIADMK MLAs have been shifted to Puducherry under tight supervision, with all expenses being borne by the party. Sources said the legislators are being monitored by AIADMK MLA Leema Rose and LJK’s Jose Charles Martin, while instructions have been issued to maintain strict communication discipline.
Party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami, sources said, has directed MLAs not to interact with rival parties, mediapersons or outsiders. If they face any confusion or political outreach attempts, they have been told to contact him directly.
The message from the leadership is clear: stay together, stay alert, and avoid poaching attempts.
Inside the resort, however, the atmosphere appears far removed from the tense arithmetic unfolding in Chennai.
Nestled along Puducherry’s coastline, the resort offers sprawling villas with private pools, sea-facing rooms, landscaped tropical spaces and curated dining experiences. Guests can unwind with spa therapies, indoor recreation, beach access and luxury hospitality — a stark contrast to the political uncertainty gripping Tamil Nadu.
The AIADMK has publicly denied that the MLAs are there for any backchannel negotiations.
“Why should we gather here to support Vijay? People like Vijay should not form a government here,” AIADMK leader KP Anbalagan was quoted as saying by ANI.
“He is just a cinema actor. Using his fame from cinema, Vijay is trying to create an impression We will never support Vijay,” he said, adding that around 40 MLAs were currently staying there.
Anbalagan also insisted the party remained united under Palaniswami’s leadership and dismissed speculation of any understanding with TVK.
TAMIL NADU STARES AT POLITICAL DEADLOCK
The resort drama is unfolding even as the Governor’s office has effectively put government formation on hold.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday informed Vijay that TVK had not yet demonstrated the required majority support to form the government.
The development triggered sharp reactions from Congress, Left parties and VCK, all of whom accused the Governor of delaying the constitutional process. CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby argued that constitutional convention required the single largest party to be invited first and given time to prove its majority on the floor of the House.
Meanwhile, TVK leaders have intensified outreach efforts to smaller parties and independents, hoping to bridge the final gap.
The DMK, despite being reduced to 59 seats, is also quietly working to keep its alliance partners together, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding power struggle.
For AIADMK, the stakes are enormous.
Sources indicated that the party’s key demands in any future negotiation could include the Deputy Chief Minister’s post and major cabinet berths. While the leadership continues to publicly reject any support to TVK, political observers believe the party’s decision to isolate its MLAs in a luxury resort reflects fears of defections, persuasion attempts and last-minute political manoeuvring.
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