Sridhar Vembu Calls for President’s Rule and Fresh Elections in Tamil Nadu

New Delhi, May 7: Zoho co-founder and Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu on Thursday called for the imposition of President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu and demanded fresh Assembly elections, saying the current political uncertainty in the state could lead to an unstable government.

Reacting to the evolving post-election scenario in the state, Vembu said the numbers required for forming a stable government “do not seem to add up” and warned that any coalition stitched together under the prevailing circumstances would face constant political pressure and instability.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Vembu remarked that Tamil Nadu deserved a more stable political environment and suggested that allowing the people to vote again would be the most appropriate solution.

He stated that President’s Rule followed by fresh elections could provide clarity and legitimacy to the next government. Vembu also stressed the need for strict enforcement against alleged “cash-for-votes” practices during any future election process, arguing that only a fair and transparent election would reveal the true public mandate.

According to him, a fresh poll could significantly alter the political landscape of the state. He expressed confidence that actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, popularly known as TVK, could secure a “super majority” if elections were held again.

Vembu also took aim at the traditional Dravidian political structure in the state, saying that if the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam wished to stop TVK’s rise, they should openly contest together rather than rely on indirect political manoeuvring.

The tech entrepreneur further advised the Bharatiya Janata Party to contest independently in Tamil Nadu, even if it meant facing electoral defeat in the short term. He described such a move as an opportunity for the party to make a “fresh start” in the state and build its own political identity over time.

Vembu’s remarks come amid heightened political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu after the recently concluded Assembly elections produced a fractured mandate in the 234-member Assembly. TVK emerged as a major political force and came close to securing a majority, dramatically reshaping the state’s political equations.

The ongoing deadlock over government formation has triggered intense political discussions and speculation across the state, with parties continuing negotiations to explore possible alliances and support arrangements.