Political uncertainty grips Tamil Nadu as the race for the next government intensifies, with key parties exploring unlikely alliances amidst a fractured mandate.
NEW DELHI: Political uncertainty grips Tamil Nadu following a fractured mandate, triggering intense maneuvering as parties explore unlikely alliances to form the next government. The race for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election outcome has intensified significantly, with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s bid to become chief minister hitting a major roadblock. Reports indicate that Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was reportedly unconvinced that the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) possessed the necessary numbers to form a stable administration, leaving the position of chief minister in suspense.
In a surprising turn of events, the DMK and AIADMK, after engaging in bitter contestation during the assembly elections, are now reportedly exploring ways to prevent the TVK from taking power. While no formal decision has been ratified, discussions within both camps suggest that the possibility of a DMK AIADMK Alliance is being seriously examined. Reports of these deliberations surfaced hours after the Congress party announced its support for the TVK, although neither the DMK nor the AIADMK has officially commented on these reports.
The arithmetic of the situation remains complex. The DMK secured 59 seats while the AIADMK captured 47. Even combined, these two Dravidian giants would still require support from smaller parties to cross the majority mark of 118 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly. Meanwhile, the AIADMK has taken strategic moves, shifting some of its newly elected MLAs to neighboring Puducherry. Party spokesperson Kovai Sathyan confirmed the relocation of legislators but did not disclose the number of MLAs or the specific reasons behind this decision.
According to PTI sources, the AIADMK was initially prepared to extend unconditional support to the Vijay-led TVK. Discussions were reportedly underway between the two sides to help form the government. However, after what sources described as prolonged silence from the TVK camp since Wednesday afternoon, the AIADMK reportedly withdrew the offer, highlighting the fragility of early coalition talks.
Earlier on Wednesday, Vijay met with Governor Arlekar to stake his claim to form the government. However, no formal invitation to form the government or decision on a swearing-in ceremony has been announced. The governor’s hesitation stems from being reportedly not fully satisfied with the TVK’s claim of support. Criticizing the delay, Congress Lok Sabha MP Jothimani stated that the majority should be tested on the floor of the assembly rather than at Raj Bhavan. She further asserted, “The BJP must immediately stop playing politics via the Raj Bhavan. The Governor should immediately invite TVK leader Vijay to form the government.”
The developments follow the Congress party severing ties with its long-time ally, the DMK, and extending support to the TVK. In a letter outlining this decision, the Congress stated that its support would remain conditional on the TVK keeping “communal forces” out of the alliance. The letter emphasized, “The people of Tamil Nadu, especially the youth, have delivered a clear verdict for a secular, progressive and welfarist government that believes in constitutional principles.”
Defending the decision to support the TVK, Congress leader Pawan Khera rejected allegations of betrayal by the DMK in the past. He noted, “I would like to take you back to December 2013, when the DMK announced that it would fight the Lok Sabha polls alone. Did you ask them then if this was backstabbing? This cannot be called backstabbing,” Khera said in New Delhi.
The TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly but remains short of the majority mark. With the Congress’ five MLAs, the TVK-led bloc currently reaches 113 seats. However, the situation is further complicated by the fact that Vijay contested and won from two constituencies-Perambur and Trichy East-and must vacate one seat.
Once that vacancy is processed, the effective strength of the House will reduce to 233, and the majority mark will come down to 117. Simultaneously, the TVK tally will fall to 107. This adjustment would leave the TVK-led alliance needing five more MLAs to prove its majority. According to PTI sources, the TVK is now trying to secure support from the VCK, the two Left parties, and the IUML, all of which are currently part of the DMK-led alliance. However, none of these parties has so far given a clear indication of support.
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan told a news channel, “Vijay has sought our support. We will decide after ascertaining the views of our party’s senior functionaries.” Sources indicated that the VCK is expected to hold a meeting on Thursday to decide on the TVK’s request. Meanwhile, the TVK has moved several of its MLAs from districts to a resort in Mamallapuram as the party intensifies efforts to secure the numbers needed to form the government.
The current political landscape in Tamil Nadu is defined by a delicate balance of numbers and trust issues among established parties. With the governor withholding formal approval and the AIADMK withdrawing conditional support, the path for the Vijay TVK Chief Minister bid is fraught with hurdles. The potential realignment between the DMK and AIADMK, driven by a shared interest in blocking the TVK, suggests a significant shift in the state's political dynamics. As the TVK continues negotiations with smaller allies like the VCK and Left parties, the immediate future depends on whether these smaller factions can bridge the numerical gap. The outcome will likely determine whether Tamil Nadu sees a new secular alliance led by an outsider or a resurgence of traditional Dravidian power structures. The coming days will be critical in testing the resolve of these alliances on the assembly floor.
May 7, 2026 13:16 UTC
Rubio Meets Pope as Iran Weighs US War Proposal
Join 50,000+ readers getting the global briefing every morning.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
May 7, 2026 11:58 UTC
Operation Sindoor: One Year Since Pahalgam Attack and Military Response
May 7, 2026 11:10 UTC
Iran War Forces Strait of Hormuz Control Amid Oil Price Volatility
May 7, 2026 09:44 UTC
Suvendu Adhikari's Aide Shot Dead in West Bengal Election Violence
May 7, 2026 07:16 UTC
Tehran Prepares Response as Ships Stranded in Strait of Hormuz Crisis
