DMK, AIADMK may join hands to keep Vijay out; Stalin hints at key decision

Amid growing speculation that arch-rivals DMK and AIADMK may join hands to form the government and prevent Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay from taking over the reins of the state, DMK president M.K. Stalin on Thursday asked the party’s newly elected legislators to abide by any decision taken by the leadership in the interest of the party and directed them not to leave Chennai till Sunday (May 10, 2026).

“It is my desire to function as a constructive Opposition. Yet, I may take certain important decisions keeping in mind the interests of the party. Whatever the decision may be, everyone should abide by it. In view of this, none of you should leave Chennai till Sunday,” he said while addressing the newly elected legislators at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam.

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This marks a stark contrast to Stalin’s earlier assertion that the party, having been voted out of office in this election, would sit in the Opposition, accept the people’s mandate, and refrain from creating any hurdles to TVK assuming office.

The developments also have to be viewed in the context of Governor V.R. Arlekar’s remarks in an interview to a news outlet that he was not opposed to either the AIADMK or the DMK staking claim to form the government if they could demonstrate the requisite majority of 118 members in the House. He also clarified that he had not prevented Vijay from forming the government, but had merely sought proof of majority support.

On the other hand, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), while addressing party legislators lodged at a private resort, reportedly told them: “Believe that whatever happens will be for the good.” The ambiguity surrounding his remarks has opened up several possibilities, including a coming together of the two Dravidian majors to form the next government. “Till I inform you, none of you should leave the resort,” he reportedly told them after being elected leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party.

Adding to the suspense, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said the party would abide by Stalin’s decision even if he chose to align with the AIADMK. “So far, no such talks have taken place. However, if the leadership decides to align with the AIADMK, we will all abide by that decision,” he told reporters after the meeting of the newly elected legislators.

However, even if the DMK and AIADMK stake claim to form the government, with the former backing the latter, they may still fall short of the majority mark, as the Congress has already distanced itself from the DMK-led alliance. The Left parties and the VCK are expected to decide only on Friday whether to extend support to Vijay.