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Governor RV Arlekar's dual-charge role shapes TVK government formation in Tamil Nadu
TVK, led by Vijay, gains 120 MLAs after CPI, CPM, VCK, and IUML extend support. Governor RV Arlekar, holding dual charges for Kerala and Tamil Nadu, is pivotal in the government formation process as he travels to Kerala amid ongoing negotiations.
Why It Matters
The coming steps toward government formation in Tamil Nadu hinge on the governor's nod, influenced by his dual-charge status and proximity to the negotiations.
Timeline
9 Events
Governor Arlekar heads to Kerala; preparations for government formation underway
May 9, 2026
Governor RV Arlekar is scheduled to fly to Kerala, where the Congress-led UDF has won the assembly elections and preparations for government formation are underway.
VCK and IUML extend support; TVK tally reaches 120 MLAs
May 9, 2026
VCK and IUML, each with two MLAs, extended unconditional support to TVK, taking its MLA tally to 120.
Third meeting between Vijay and Governor Arlekar
May 9, 2026
The third meeting between Vijay and Governor Arlekar was held; Arlekar was scheduled to fly to Kerala within two hours.
Chatter about VCK and IUML extending support
May 8, 2026
There was chatter about VCK and IUML extending support to TVK, but no confirmation yet.
Second meeting between Vijay and Governor Arlekar
May 8, 2026
Vijay and Governor Arlekar held the second of three meetings in the run-up to possible government formation.
TVK receives support from CPI and CPM
May 8, 2026
TVK received support from CPI and CPM, strengthening its numbers ahead of formal government formation.
First meeting between Vijay and Governor Arlekar
May 7, 2026
Vijay and Governor RV Arlekar held the first of three meetings in the run-up to potential government formation.
Arlekar handed additional charge of Tamil Nadu
March 2026
In March 2026, RV Arlekar was given the additional charge of Tamil Nadu, creating a dual-charge scenario as government formation proceedings unfold.
Arlekar appointed Governor of Kerala
2025
RV Arlekar became Governor of Kerala in 2025, a background that shapes his handling of Tamil Nadu's government formation as of March 2026.