Multiple political allies are urging Tamil Nadu’s Governor to invite actor-turned-politician Vijay to form the state government, citing his party’s status as the single largest in the recent polls.
In a significant development following the recent polls, several allies of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) publicly called on Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to invite Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay to form the state government. This directive comes after the TVK emerged as the single largest party in the recent Assembly election, securing 108 seats without securing a clear majority for any single alliance. The political alliance is arguing that constitutional protocol necessitates giving the leader of the largest party the first opportunity to prove their strength on the floor of the House.
The call to action was formalized through statements issued by key political figures within the DMK’s broader coalition. M. Veerapandian, the State secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), emphasized that since no single party or alliance achieved a majority, the TVK’s position as the largest party mandates its lead in government formation. Veerapandian noted that Mr. Vijay has already met the Governor to stake his claim. He argued that it would be unfair to demand an immediate proof of majority, citing Supreme Court judgments, including the S.R. Bommai vs Union of India case, which emphasize providing adequate time for the largest party leader to demonstrate their support. He urged the Governor to respect the Constitution and allow Mr. Vijay the necessary time to prove his majority within the House.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan echoed these sentiments, supporting the notion that the largest party must be given the chance to form the government. Similarly, P. Shanmugam, State secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), stated that the Governor should invite Mr. Vijay because no other political party has staked a claim. Shanmugam highlighted that the people of Tamil Nadu did not grant a majority to any alliance but elected the TVK as the single-largest party. He alleged that the Bharatiya Janitiya Party [BJP] was using the Governor to take a stand against the Constitution, thereby delaying the opportunity for Mr. Vijay to form the government.
The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is currently defined by a hung assembly, where the traditional power structures are being tested by the unprecedented rise of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko praised DMK president M.K. Stalin’s recent stance that the DMK would not block the TVK from forming the government. Vaiko described this position as “most excellent, laudable and timely,” calling it a demonstration of Stalin’s statesmanship. This endorsement from a long-time political ally signals a unified front among non-BJP forces to ensure that the party with the most seats is not bypassed in the government formation process.
Kamal Haasan, president of the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), also weighed in on the situation, describing the verdict of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election as unprecedented due to the lack of a clear mandate for any single party. Haasan expressed respect for Mr. Stalin’s political maturity in acknowledging the people’s verdict and committing to function as a responsible Opposition. He framed the issue not as a request but as a reminder of the constitutional obligation owed by those holding responsibility. He stated that not inviting Mr. Vijay would amount to disrespecting the mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Haasan further pointed out the democratic deficit in the current situation, noting that even 233 elected members remain unable to take their oaths. He characterized this delay as a disgrace to the State and a blow to democracy. Actor Prakash Raj also expressed similar views, adding to the chorus of political leaders demanding that the people’s verdict be respected immediately. The collective pressure from these allies underscores the fragility of the current political equilibrium and the critical role the Governor must play in adhering to constitutional norms rather than political expediency.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics of Indian federalism, where the Governor acts as a constitutional head but holds significant discretionary power in hung assemblies. The allies’ arguments rely heavily on the precedent set by the Supreme Court, which mandates that the largest party be given a fair chance to prove its majority before any other alliance is invited to form the government. The delay, according to the allies, is not merely procedural but potentially political, driven by opposition forces seeking to undermine the results of the election.
The current political situation in Tamil Nadu reflects a critical juncture where the traditional two-party dominance is being challenged by the rise of regional parties and independent candidates. The TVK’s emergence as the single largest party, with 108 seats, signifies a shift in voter sentiment, possibly driven by the popularity of its leader and specific regional issues. However, the inability to form a government with a clear majority indicates that the TVK cannot govern alone and will likely need to rely on support from other parties, including the DMK and its allies.
The demand by DMK allies for the Governor to invite Vijay is a strategic move to legitimize the TVK’s claim while maintaining the stability of the anti-BJP front. If the Governor fails to invite the largest party first, it could lead to legal challenges and political unrest, potentially undermining the democratic process. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining whether the constitutional protocols are followed strictly or if political maneuvering will delay the formation of the government.
The role of the Opposition, led by the DMK, will also be pivotal. Their decision to function responsibly and not block the TVK suggests a willingness to collaborate for the stability of the state. However, negotiations for a potential coalition or support agreement will likely begin immediately, with each party seeking concessions and policy guarantees. The outcome of these negotiations will define the political landscape of Tamil Nadu for the next five years, potentially reshaping alliances and policies across the state.
The Governor’s decision to invite Mr. Vijay or delay the process will have far-reaching implications for Tamil Nadu’s political stability and democratic integrity. If the constitutional obligation is fulfilled promptly, it could lead to a swift formation of the government, possibly under a coalition framework that includes the DMK and other allies. This would stabilize the political environment and allow the state administration to focus on governance and development issues. However, if delays persist due to political pressure from opposing forces, it could erode public trust in the democratic institutions and the electoral process. The people of Tamil Nadu have spoken, and the ultimate test for the state’s leadership will be to respect that verdict and ensure a smooth transition of power, thereby upholding the principles of democracy and constitutional governance.
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