Political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu intensified on Saturday after Governor Rajendra Arlekar reportedly cancelled a scheduled meeting with C Joseph Vijay, even as the actor-politician’s party moved closer to the majority mark required to form the next government.
The development came hours after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) extended unconditional support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), potentially clearing the final hurdle in the formation of a new government in the state.
Vijay Makes Third Attempt to Stake Claim
Vijay visited Lok Bhavan in Chennai for the third consecutive day to stake claim for government formation. Senior TVK leaders accompanied him and submitted letters of support from the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
However, despite the show of support, the Governor’s office did not issue any official confirmation regarding the invitation to form the government. Reports indicated that the Governor wanted clearer proof of majority support before moving ahead with the oath ceremony process.
TVK Inches Past Majority Mark
In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, the majority mark stands at 118 seats.
TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections after winning 108 seats. The party later secured support from:
- 5 Congress MLAs
- 2 CPI MLAs
- 2 CPI(M) MLAs
This initially took the alliance tally to 117. However, since Vijay won from two constituencies and must vacate one seat, the effective strength temporarily reduced by one seat.
The political equation changed again after VCK formally announced support with its two MLAs, pushing the TVK-led bloc to the majority mark needed to form the government.
VCK Extends ‘Unconditional Support’
VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan and party legislator Vanni Arasu submitted letters backing Vijay’s claim to power.
The party said it was extending “unconditional support” to ensure stable governance and uphold democratic principles in Tamil Nadu.
The support came after days of intense negotiations, speculation and political suspense over whether the VCK would back the TVK-led alliance.
Political Tensions Rise Across Tamil Nadu
The delay in government formation has triggered heightened political activity across the state. Security was tightened outside Lok Bhavan in Chennai as party workers gathered in large numbers awaiting updates on the oath ceremony.
Meanwhile, opposition parties accused TVK of engaging in “horse-trading” to secure support from smaller parties and independent legislators. TVK leaders denied the allegations and maintained that the party was following constitutional procedures.
Several political leaders, including Left party representatives, also stated that the people’s mandate should be respected and that the elected alliance should be allowed to form the government without unnecessary delay.
Concerns Over Constitutional Uncertainty
The prolonged uncertainty has sparked concerns about political instability in Tamil Nadu. VCK leaders publicly stated that the crisis should not become a reason for President’s Rule in the state.
Legal experts and opposition leaders also questioned the delay in inviting the single-largest alliance to form the government despite the submission of support letters.
At the same time, AIADMK and DMK leaders continued internal meetings with their MLAs as the political situation remained fluid.
