Tamil Nadu is witnessing intense political negotiations after actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Assembly elections but fell short of the majority mark needed to form the government. In its electoral debut, the two-year-old TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, dramatically reshaping the state's political landscape and dislodging the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) from power after just one term. However, with the majority mark at 118 and Vijay expected to vacate one of the two seats he won, TVK's effective tally may reduce further, intensifying the race for post-poll support.
Congress Extends Support to TVK
The Congress extended support to Vijay after senior leaders met him at the party's headquarters in Chennai. The move triggered sharp reactions from the DMK, which accused Congress of abandoning a long-standing alliance and weakening opposition unity ahead of future national elections.
AIADMK Withdraws Support Offer
At the same time, the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K Palaniswami, initially explored the possibility of extending unconditional support to TVK to ensure a stable government. Sources said communication between the two camps began soon after the election results. However, the talks reportedly collapsed after AIADMK leaders claimed there was no response from the TVK side for several hours. The party later withdrew its offer and ruled out any alliance with the DMK.
Vijay Meets Governor to Stake Claim
Vijay also met Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi Arlekar to stake claim to form the government, asserting that he had the numbers required. However, sources indicated that the governor sought formal letters of support from enough MLAs before proceeding further with the swearing-in process.
Smaller Parties Hold Key
Smaller parties including the VCK, CPI and CPM have not yet taken a final decision on supporting TVK, while IUML and Left parties have publicly continued backing the DMK. Their decisions are now crucial to determining whether Vijay can cross the majority mark.
Stalin's Response
Meanwhile, outgoing chief minister MK Stalin signalled that the DMK would sit in opposition and 'watch without disturbing for six months,' while also questioning whether TVK would be able to fulfil its major poll promises.
As negotiations continue and political uncertainty deepens, Tamil Nadu remains on edge over who will eventually form the next government. This live blog tracks every major update on Vijay's government formation bid, alliance talks, reactions from rival parties and the evolving numbers game in Tamil Nadu politics.
Key Developments
- AIADMK withdraws support offer: After talks with TVK stalled, AIADMK pulled back its unconditional support and ruled out any alliance with DMK.
- Congress backs Vijay: Congress leaders met Vijay at TVK headquarters and formally extended support, but TVK still falls short of the majority mark.
- Governor seeks formal letters: Vijay met Governor R N Ravi Arlekar to stake claim, but the governor wants written support from enough MLAs before proceeding.
- Smaller parties undecided: VCK, CPI, and CPM are yet to decide; IUML and Left parties continue backing DMK.
- Stalin's stance: Outgoing CM MK Stalin said DMK will 'watch without disturbing for six months' in opposition.
