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Horse-trading row, VCK suspense: Twists and turns in Vijay-starrer Tamil Nadu election thriller
Tamil Nadu's political drama intensified as TVK led by actor-politician Vijay remains short of a majority despite emerging as the single-largest winner. With 116 MLAs in backing coalitions and two VCK MLAs as potential swing votes, the government formation remains uncertain amid allegations of forged letters and heightened horse-trading fears. Negotiations with the Governor continue as Congress shifts MLAs to Hyderabad to guard against poaching.
Why It Matters
The outcome will determine which party or coalition forms the government in Tamil Nadu, shaping the state's immediate political landscape and policy direction.
Timeline
5 Events
Three-day sequence of meetings with Governor Arlekar continues; no majority declared
May 9, 2026
After three straight days of meetings with Governor Rajendra Arlekar, TVK remains short of a clear majority, keeping the state in political suspense and delaying government formation decisions.
Congress MLAs shifted to Hyderabad amid poaching fears
May 9, 2026
Congress has relocated its MLAs to Hyderabad amid fears of poaching as uncertainty grips Tamil Nadu's government formation process.
Dhinakaran accuses TVK of 'forged' support letter in alleged horse-trading
May 9, 2026
AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran alleges that TVK obtained a 'forged' support letter from his lone MLA in an alleged attempt at horse-trading, escalating tensions between the rival camps.
VCK swing vote looms as two MLAs could decide government outcome
May 9, 2026
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) holds two MLAs, whose support could determine whether Vijay forms the government or the process stalls, contributing to ongoing uncertainty.
TVK's effective strength stands at 107 with 116 in alliance backing
May 9, 2026
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, but Vijay must vacate one seat, bringing his effective strength to 107. With support from Congress (5), CPI (2), and CPI(M) (2), the alliance counts 116 MLAs, still two short of the majority (118).