TVK secures majority in TN after support from smaller parties: Report

The political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu appears to have ended after actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) reportedly secured the support required to form the next government in the state. Backing from smaller parties, including the CPI(M), CPI and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), helped the party cross the majority mark of 118 seats in the Assembly.

TVK chief Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar later on Friday to formally stake a claim to form the government. The development comes days after the Assembly election results, declared on May 4, produced a fractured mandate.

Seat arithmetic

TVK emerged as the single largest party in the elections by winning 108 seats in its debut electoral outing. However, the party initially fell short of the 118 seats required for a majority in the 243-member Assembly.

The Congress, which secured five seats, soon extended support to TVK, taking the alliance tally to 113. Subsequent backing from Left parties and the VCK reportedly pushed the numbers beyond the majority threshold.

Protests against Governor

The delay in government formation had triggered protests across parts of Tamil Nadu, with TVK supporters and Congress workers accusing the Governor of unnecessarily withholding an invitation to Vijay despite his party emerging as the largest bloc. Demonstrators argued that Vijay should have been allowed to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.

On Thursday, the Governor’s office stated that Vijay had not yet established majority support required to form the government. “During the meeting, the Governor explained that the requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, essential for forming the Government, has not been established,” an official release said.

This was the second consecutive day that Vijay met the Governor without receiving approval to form the government, further intensifying political tensions in the state.

Meanwhile, speculation continued over possible political realignments. Reports suggested discussions around a potential understanding between the AIADMK and the DMK, although neither party officially confirmed such developments.

According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the TVK also held a meeting with its newly elected MLAs on Thursday. During the discussion, legislators reportedly sought clarity on the timeline for government formation. Party general secretary ‘Bussy’ N Anand urged members to remain patient, stating that Vijay was making all necessary efforts to secure support.

Congress leaders, along with VCK and CPI representatives, publicly backed Vijay’s claim to power, insisting that the Governor should invite the TVK leader to form the government and allow him to prove his majority in the Assembly.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader DK Shivakumar described the delay as “unfair” and said Vijay should not be kept waiting despite leading the largest party in the House.