India
The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has entered a decisive phase after the 2026 Assembly election delivered a fractured mandate, placing Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar at the centre of government formation talks.
Vijay’s party emerged as the single largest force in the 234-member Assembly with 108 seats, narrowly ahead of the majority mark of 118. However, the absence of a clear mandate has triggered intense negotiations among parties, with alliances now proving crucial in determining the next government.
The DMK secured 59 seats, while the AIADMK finished with 47 seats, marking a significant shift in the state’s traditional two-party dominance. Smaller parties, including Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) with four seats and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), along with CPI, CPI(M), and IUML, collectively shaped a fragmented verdict.
Congress support pushes TVK closer to majority
A major development came when the Congress party extended its support to TVK, bringing its five MLAs into Vijay’s camp. This move marks a significant political realignment in the state, as Congress distances itself from its long-standing alliance with the DMK.
However, the support comes with conditions. AICC Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar stated that Congress backing would depend on TVK maintaining distance from “communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India.”
With Congress support, TVK’s tally has increased to 113 seats, placing it just five short of the majority required to form a stable government.
VCK remains undecided amid alliance pressure
Attention has now shifted to the VCK, led by Thol Thirumavalavan, which holds two crucial seats. Despite outreach efforts from TVK, the party has not yet committed its support.
A senior VCK leader stated that any decision would be taken by the party president, leaving Vijay’s camp in continued uncertainty. Meanwhile, several smaller allies, including CPI, CPI(M), and IUML, have reaffirmed their support for the DMK after meetings with party chief M.K. Stalin, signalling that the opposition alliance remains partially intact.
Vijay meets Governor, stakes claim
Amid these developments, Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan to formally stake claim to form the government. Accompanied by senior party leaders “Bussy” N Anand and Aadhav Arjuna, Vijay’s move signals confidence in securing additional support to cross the majority mark.
TVK sources suggest that preparations for a possible swearing-in ceremony are underway, depending on final numbers.
Interestingly, Vijay contested and won from two constituencies—Trichy East and Perambur—becoming one of the few leaders to achieve a dual victory. He will now need to vacate one seat, which will trigger a by-election.
As post-poll negotiations intensify, the final shape of Tamil Nadu’s next government now rests on a handful of undecided legislators and shifting political equations.
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