Tamil Nadu govt formation hangs in balance as Vijay’s TVK falls short of majority

Four days after the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026 results were declared, uncertainty continues over government formation in Tamil Nadu, with actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam falling short of the numbers needed to form the government.

Though TVK emerged as the single largest party with over 100 seats in its electoral debut, it remains around 10 seats short of the majority mark required in the 243-member Assembly.

Even with support from the Indian National Congress, the party’s tally rises only to 113, below the 118-seat threshold needed to stake claim.

Governor asks TVK to prove majority

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday said he had informed Vijay during their second meeting in two days that demonstrating majority support was essential before any invitation to form the government could be extended.

According to an official statement, the governor told Vijay that the required legislative backing “has not been established.”

The development has triggered protests from TVK supporters, who argue Vijay should be invited to form the government and prove his majority on the floor of the House.

Internal meeting signals uncertainty

According to PTI, TVK held a crucial meeting of its newly elected MLAs on Thursday, where legislators reportedly sought clarity from party general secretary N Anand on when government formation would take place.

They were asked to remain patient, with assurances that Vijay was making all possible efforts to secure the numbers.

The numbers game

TVK won 108 seats in a striking debut performance.

However, Vijay himself won from two constituencies — Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East — and under Election Commission rules must vacate one, bringing TVK’s effective tally down to 107.

Congress support pushes that to 113, still five short of the halfway mark.

Speculation has swirled around possible backing from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which secured 47 seats, but no formal support has been announced.

Opposition backs floor test

Several parties, including Congress, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Communist Party of India, have argued that Vijay should be invited to form the government and asked to prove his majority on the Assembly floor.

DK Shivakumar described the delay as “unfair,” saying Vijay should be given the constitutional opportunity to demonstrate support in the legislature.