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Vijay's Tamil Nadu victory exposes cracks in INDIA bloc as Congress backs TVK to form government
Congress formally announced backing for TVK to form the Tamil Nadu government after Vijay's strong electoral performance. DMK accused Congress of backstabbing, while Congress framed its support as a secular, stable alternative. TVK holds 108 seats and must assemble a workable majority.
Why It Matters
The move reveals fissures within the INDIA bloc ahead of government formation in Tamil Nadu, highlighting debates over secular credentials and ideological alignment.
Timeline
4 Events
Vijay's oath date noted; potential ripple across INDIA bloc
May 6, 2026
DMK warned that Congress's flip could ripple across the INDIA bloc and affect relations with other partners such as Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and Uddhav Thackeray. The article notes Vijay is scheduled to take the oath on May 7, 2026.
Congress letter formalizes request and mandates
May 6, 2026
In a letter, Congress said that Vijay formally requested its support to form the government. It asserted that the people of Tamil Nadu delivered a clear verdict for a secular, progressive and welfarist government headed by TVK and that it was Congress's constitutional duty to respect the mandate. The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislative Party stated they would extend full support to TVK to form the government.
Congress to back TVK to form government with secular condition
May 6, 2026
Congress announced it would support a TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu, but with a condition that TVK keep out from the alliance any communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India. The backing was described as unanimous across party forums and aligned with Vijay's 108-seat tally.
DMK questions TVK-Congress tie-up, cites proximity to BJP
May 6, 2026
DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai criticized the TVK-Congress tie-up, hinting that Vijay's outfit is close to the BJP. He cited Vijay's post thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi for their wishes, arguing that an INDIA alliance based on ideology cannot align with a party perceived as pro-BJP.