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Tamil Nadu Governor Not Convinced Vijay's TVK Has Numbers For Majority: Sources
TVK chief Vijay staked claim to form the Tamil Nadu government after securing 108 seats, but the governor reportedly remains unconvinced the party has a majority. Congress pledged support with a condition to keep communal forces out, while independents and other parties weigh their options and reactions from DMK, AIADMK, and other blocs emerge. The path to majority remains uncertain as attempts to form a government continue.
Why It Matters
The governor's stance and the Congress-backed yet contingent support shape whether TVK can form a government or if negotiations will extend beyond May 6, affecting cabinet formation and state politics.
Timeline
11 Events
Stalin resigns as chief minister following TVK victory
May 6, 2026
MK Stalin, who was defeated in Kolathur by TVK's VS Babu, has already resigned as the chief minister, marking a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu.
BJP comments on INDIA bloc disintegration
May 6, 2026
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla argued the Congress decision signals the disintegration of the INDIA bloc, calling it the 'last rites' of the coalition.
DMK responds to Congress decision
May 6, 2026
DMK condemned the Congress decision to back TVK, stating Congress has 'backstabbed the people' and calling the move a self-destructive act for obtaining two cabinet berths.
Congress formal announcement to join the government; celebrations
May 6, 2026
The Congress made a formal announcement to be a part of the government, after which party workers celebrated at the Tamil Nadu Congress headquarters with firecrackers.
Congress unit autonomy and stance on secular government
May 6, 2026
The Congress's Tamil Nadu unit was given full autonomy to decide independently on whether to support the TVK; Tamil Nadu Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar stated they would rather support a secular government than see the BJP come to power.
Speculation of TVK-AIADMK alliance to form majority
May 6, 2026
There is speculation of an alternate bloc — a TVK and AIADMK alliance — being more than enough for Vijay's party to form the next government, as AIADMK has 47 seats and at least 30 are said to be willing to support the TVK.
Left's position pending; time to decide by May 8
May 6, 2026
The Left (CPI and CPI(M)) with four seats have asked for time till May 8 to take a call on their support.
Uncertainty about additional allies beyond Congress
May 6, 2026
There is no clarity yet on who apart from Congress, including independents, would join to form Team Vijay.
Next step: prove majority in the Assembly
May 6, 2026
With no clear majority yet, the next step identified is for Vijay to prove his government's majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
TVK majority math: 108 TVK seats, Congress 5 seats; exclusion reduces tally to 112 with a six-seat gap
May 6, 2026
TVK is the single-largest party with 108 seats. With Congress's five seats, the tally would be 113, but excluding one of Vijay's two seats brings the count to 112, leaving a six-seat gap to reach the 118-seat majority.
Vijay stakes claim to form Tamil Nadu government with Governor Arlekar
May 6, 2026
TVK chief Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and staked a claim to form the next government, signaling the party's intent despite ongoing uncertainty over a majority.