Tamil Nadu’s post-election political landscape has entered a dramatic phase after Governor Ravindra Narayana Ravi Arlekar reportedly expressed doubts over whether actor-turned-politician Vijay has enough legislative support to form the next government in the state.
The leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam met the Governor on Wednesday to stake claim to form the government after the party’s remarkable debut performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. However, sources said the Governor was unconvinced about the coalition’s numbers and raised concerns regarding the stability of a proposed administration.
TVK Falls Short of Majority Mark
TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly, making it the single-largest force in the election but still short of the required 118-seat majority mark. During the meeting, the Governor reportedly questioned how Vijay planned to run a stable government with only 113 confirmed MLAs and sought clarification about possible support from other parties.
According to sources, Vijay assured the Governor that he was prepared to prove his majority through a floor test in the Assembly if given the opportunity.
Congress Offers Conditional Support
The Indian National Congress has reportedly agreed to extend support to TVK, but with a condition that the alliance must not include what it described as “communal forces,” indirectly referring to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
With Congress support, the coalition’s tally improves significantly. Vijay is also believed to be in discussions with Left parties and regional outfits, including the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and Pattali Makkal Katchi.
If all negotiations succeed, the alliance could command more than 120 seats in the Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark even after Vijay resigns from one of the two constituencies he won.
Alliance Challenges Continue
Despite the arithmetic appearing favorable, political complications remain. The VCK is currently aligned with the outgoing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, while the PMK has existing ties with the BJP-led alliance. Any shift toward TVK would require major political realignments.
Political observers believe Vijay prefers alliances with smaller regional parties rather than entering into a partnership with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, despite reports suggesting that sections within the AIADMK are open to supporting the newcomer.
Resort Politics Adds to Political Drama
Adding to the suspense, reports claimed that several AIADMK legislators had moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation of possible support for TVK. However, senior AIADMK leaders denied the reports and insisted no alliance discussions were underway.
Meanwhile, TVK has reportedly shifted its newly elected legislators to a resort in Mamallapuram near Chennai to keep the coalition intact during ongoing negotiations.
President’s Rule Remains a Possibility
If Vijay fails to demonstrate majority support, constitutional experts believe the Governor could recommend President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu, potentially leading to another election.
The coming days are expected to be crucial as coalition talks intensify and Tamil Nadu waits to see whether Vijay can successfully transition from cinema superstar to Chief Minister.
