Crossing the final hurdle for a majority and putting an end to the uncertainty persisting over government formation in Tamil Nadu, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Saturday secured unconditional support of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and that of the IUML for ‘Vijay Sarkar’.
For the fourth time in succession within four days, Vijay, armed with the letters of support, called on Governor Vishwanath Rajendra Arlekar and staked his claim to form the next government and take the oath at 3 pm tomorrow (Sunday, May 10, 2026). Vijay was accompanied by CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam and TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai. Earlier, the Governor had stuck to his stand that the TVK produce proof of majority for extending the invite to Vijay.
Earlier, the Lok Bhavan declined to meet Vijay on the pretext that the Governor was leaving for Thiruvananthapuram by 7 pm, forcing him to return home. Now there is no impediment for TVK chief Vijay to take oath and take over the reins of the Dravidian heartland, but for the Governor delaying the invite for government formation. Arlekar had also maintained that he would have no difficulty swearing in Vijay or any party that stakes a claim with the requisite proof for the majority.
The Governor has come under attack for initially declining to meet Vijay, despite having secured more than the required majority, with the parties supporting the TVK slamming the Lok Bhavan for playing spoilsport and wantonly stymieing the TVK chief’s ascension. Further, the Governor is accused of dereliction of duty and acting against the Constitution.
With both the VCK and IUML extending outside support, close on the heels of the CPI and CPI(M) taking the lead in backing the TVK, Vijay now has the support of 120 legislators in a 234-member House, two more than 118 required for a majority. It was the apprehension of President’s rule being imposed that forced the parties to line up behind the TVK. Also, the effort by the DMK and the AIADMK to prop up a coalition government had fallen through as the Left Parties had torpedoed it.
On a day of fast-paced political developments, the VCK announced its decision, putting an end to its procrastination and ambivalence, offering the letter of support in the evening. The IUML, which had claimed only yesterday that it was not offering support, but merely asking the Governor to ensure a stable government, also fell in line and gave the letter pledging unconditional support. Interestingly, this development comes hours after nearly 30 newly elected AIADMK legislators had a conclave at the residence of former minister C. Ve. Shanmugam, which was seen as a move to team up with the TVK by breaking ranks with party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS).
Significantly, it was the VCK’s decision which was keenly awaited as Thirumavalavan had postponed the announcement since yesterday, while initially maintaining that a decision in tune with the Left parties would be taken. Hence, expectation was on the rise since the morning. Except for the Congress, which has dumped the DMK and switched over to the TVK, all four parties — VCK, CPI, CPI(M), and IUML — have maintained that their tie-up with the DMK would continue despite the unconditional support to the TVK government.
As Vijay’s vehicle entered the Lok Bhavan, celebrations broke out in Chennai and across the state, with ecstatic Vijay fans and TVK supporters heaving a sigh of relief as the suspense came to a happy end.