Tamil Nadu is witnessing a historic political transition as actor-turned-politician Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is set to take oath as the state's new chief minister on Saturday morning. TVK secured 108 seats in the recently concluded assembly elections, falling short of the majority mark of 118 in the 234-member house. However, after hectic post-poll negotiations, key opposition parties including the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) extended their support, helping TVK cross the majority threshold.
Vijay Meets Governor to Stake Claim
Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Raj Bhavan for the third time to formally stake claim to form the government. The governor officially invited Vijay to form the government after receiving letters of support from alliance partners. CPM leader K Balakrishnan confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony will take place at 11 am on Saturday. "Invitation and other things will be sent before that. We have given the letter in support. He went to the governor, and the governor asked him to form the government," Balakrishnan said.
Left Parties and Congress Back TVK
The CPI and CPM, each with two seats, along with VCK (two seats) and Congress (five seats), have extended their support to TVK. CPI State Secretary Veerapandian described it as a democratic duty. "TVK is the single-largest party. It needs six MLAs to form the government. We have given six MLAs of CPI, CPM and VCK. We have given our support; it is our democratic duty," he said. Congress had earlier parted ways with the DMK and extended support to TVK.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Congress MP Manickam Tagore alleged that political opponents who lost public support are trying to prevent Vijay from becoming chief minister. "Power may delay the people's verdict, but it can never suppress it forever," he posted on X. Congress leader S Rajesh Kumar condemned the DMK's alleged violent response to a Congress protest against the governor's initial delay in inviting Vijay. Meanwhile, CPM general secretary MA Baby alleged that communal forces, with support from the Union government, were trying to create political uncertainty. He claimed the Left parties backed Vijay to prevent opportunistic alliances rejected by the electorate.
VCK's X Account Suspended
In a dramatic turn, VCK's X account was suspended on Friday for "violation of X rules," shortly after a purported post in support of TVK's coalition government. VCK has not officially committed to supporting Vijay but is part of the alliance.
Vijay Thanks Left Leaders
Soon after meeting the governor, Vijay visited the CPM headquarters to personally thank Left leaders for their support. Senior CPM leaders including K Balakrishnan, U Vasuki, state secretary P Shanmugam, and several other functionaries were present during the interaction. TVK MLA-elect Marie Wilson expressed confidence that the news about Vijay's oath would break late at night.
A New Era in Tamil Nadu Politics
TVK's emergence as a single-largest party marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, breaking the traditional DMK-AIADMK duopoly. Vijay, a popular actor, campaigned with a contrarian approach, avoiding media interviews and holding fewer public events than his rivals. His party's debut performance, crossing 50 lakh votes, is unprecedented for a first-time contestant. If Vijay takes oath on Saturday, it will be one of the most significant political transitions in Tamil Nadu in recent years.
