Tamil Nadu government formation: AMMK chief Dhinakaran refutes party's support to TVK

Governor Rajendra Arlekar said he has not committed himself to any sworn-in government and that there has been no communication about swearing in on May 10, with his numbers stance still being considered.

Security officials reported Rahul Gandhi canceled his Chennai visit on Saturday, May 9, 2026, impacting expectations around the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for TVK leader Vijay.

Kader Mohideen stated the IUML would announce its decision after the committee meeting, outlining their stance on support to TVK.

The IUML high-level committee led by Kader Mohideen discussed the political developments and was expected to declare its stand on support to TVK after the meeting.

Dhinakaran and Kamaraj submitted a letter to the Governor extending support to Palaniswami, announcing both signatures on the document.

AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran stated that his party remains in the NDA and refuted reports of supporting TVK; he noted that lone MLA Kamaraj was staying at a Puducherry resort with AIADMK MLAs.

DMK president M.K. Stalin urged Governor Arlekar to promptly initiate steps for forming a new government in accordance with the Constitution.

CPI and CPI(M) announced unconditional outside support to Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam for a stable, secular government, stating they would not join the TVK Cabinet and would continue opposing communal forces.

TVK president C. Joseph Vijay met with Governor Rajendra Arlekar for the third consecutive day as the party waited for an invitation to form the government.

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee staged protests in Salem and Namakkal against Governor Arlekar and the BJP, demanding invitation to TVK chief Vijay to form the government.

The Congress MLAs in Hyderabad postponed their return after new developments in Tamil Nadu cast a shadow on the swearing-in ceremony for TVK leader Vijay, who was awaiting invitation to form the government.

Earlier on May 8, Dhinakaran submitted a letter to the Governor extending support to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, containing his signature and that of Kamaraj.

Dhinakaran stated that the Governor listened to TVK’s complaint about the forged letter and assured him of necessary steps to address the issue.

TVK rejected Dhinakaran’s allegations, calling his claims completely false and stating that the party has no need to bargain or negotiate with anyone.

Dhinakaran claimed TVK submitted to the Governor a photocopy of a forged letter claiming the party’s support from Kamaraj, accompanied by Kamaraj, and said a police complaint would be lodged.

Amid charges of 'horse trading' and 'forgery' against TVK, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran visited the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Guindy Range, late on Friday night, Chennai, as part of the unfolding controversy.

Five Tamil Nadu Congress MLAs arrived in Hyderabad on May 7, 2026, planning to leave after reports that Governor Rajendra Arlekar had asked Vijay to form the government, as suspense over the swearing-in ceremony persisted.