Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday criticised Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar for delaying the swearing in of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C. Joseph Vijay and the formation of the government.

Citing Karnataka’s 2018 political developments as an example, Mr. Shivakumar termed the Tamil Nadu Governor’s decision “unfair” and against the spirit of democracy.

Speaking to reporters here, he said that in 2018, the then Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala had invited BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa to prove his majority after the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections.

Governors of States have been setting different precedents to suit the interests of the BJP at the Centre, he alleged.

The KPCC chief described the Tamil Nadu Governor's decision as “very unfair” and said the TVK chief should have been given an opportunity to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.

The Congress, which won five seats in the elections, has decided to support the TVK, which has secured 108 seats and is short of a majority by nine seats.

“The Governor should respect the mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu,” Mr Shivakumar said, alleging that the BJP had been opposing Mr. Vijay becoming Chief Minister.