Tamil Nadu politics has entered a phase of intense uncertainty and political negotiations as actor-turned-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) continue efforts to form the next government in the state. Despite emerging as the single largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections, TVK is still short of the majority mark, triggering hectic political activity and alliance discussions across the state.
In the 234-member Assembly, Vijay-led TVK secured 108 seats, falling short of the majority mark of 118 by just 10 seats. The Congress party, which won five seats, extended support to TVK after the elections, taking the alliance strength to 113. However, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which secured two seats as part of the DMK alliance, declined to support Vijay and reiterated its commitment to remain with the DMK, calling the alliance an ideological partnership rather than an electoral arrangement.
Amid the ongoing political developments, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which won two seats, expressed willingness to support the TVK-led government. However, the party has reportedly demanded the Deputy Chief Minister post for its leader Thol Thirumavalavan in return for extending support. VCK leaders stated that their support had become crucial for government formation and insisted on greater power-sharing in the proposed administration.
Meanwhile, Left parties CPI and CPI(M), which won two seats each, submitted written letters of support to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in favour of Vijay. The Left parties stated that their decision was aimed at ensuring the formation of a stable and secular government in Tamil Nadu and preventing external political influence in the state’s governance.
Earlier on May 7, Vijay met Governor Arlekar and formally staked claim to form the government. However, the Governor reportedly asked him to furnish proof of majority support from 118 MLAs before any formal invitation could be extended. While the support of Congress, Left parties and VCK appears to have brought TVK close to the majority mark, the final shape of the new government is now expected to depend on negotiations over the VCK’s demand for the Deputy Chief Minister position.