Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Wednesday, formally staking his claim to form the next state government. The meeting comes a day after the Election Commission of India declared the results of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, in which TVK secured a landslide victory, winning 150 out of 234 seats.
Vijay's Meeting with Governor
Accompanied by senior party leaders and newly elected MLAs, Vijay arrived at the Raj Bhavan around 11:30 AM. The delegation submitted a letter of support to the Governor, signed by all 150 elected TVK MLAs, endorsing Vijay as the leader of the legislative party. The Governor accepted the claim and asked Vijay to provide a list of proposed cabinet ministers within two days.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Vijay said, "I am grateful to the people of Tamil Nadu for their overwhelming mandate. We will form a government that works for the welfare of all citizens, focusing on development, education, and social justice." He also thanked party workers and supporters for their tireless efforts during the campaign.
Oath Ceremony Scheduled
Sources indicate that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 9, 2026, at the Madras University Centenary Auditorium. Preparations are underway for a grand event, with invitations being sent to dignitaries, including leaders from allied parties and prominent figures from various fields. Security arrangements have been tightened across the city in anticipation of the ceremony.
Governor Arlekar, in a brief statement, said, "I have accepted the claim of TVK to form the government. The process of forming the new ministry will proceed as per constitutional norms." He also congratulated Vijay and his party for their electoral success.
Political Reactions
The development has drawn reactions from various political quarters. DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin congratulated Vijay and expressed hope for a smooth transition of power. "We respect the people's verdict and extend our best wishes to the incoming government," Stalin said in a statement. Meanwhile, AIADMK interim general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami urged the new government to prioritize farmers' issues and economic recovery.
Political analysts view TVK's victory as a significant shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, breaking the decades-long dominance of the Dravidian parties. Vijay, a popular actor-turned-politician, successfully leveraged his fan base and a campaign centered on anti-corruption and good governance to win widespread support.
Next Steps
Following the Governor's acceptance, TVK is expected to announce its cabinet lineup soon. The party has indicated that it will focus on key areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, and employment generation. Vijay has also promised to implement a transparent and efficient administration.
The new government is expected to face several challenges, including managing the state's finances and addressing long-standing issues like the Cauvery water dispute and industrial development. However, with a strong majority, TVK is poised to have a smooth legislative tenure.
