Tamil Nadu Faces Political Deadlock as Vijay Falls Short of Majority Mark

TVK chief Vijay met the Tamil Nadu Governor for a second consecutive day, but was asked to submit support letters from 118 MLAs before staking claim to form the government.

May 8, 2026 | Chennai political stalemate has emerged in Tamil Nadu after actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), despite emerging as the single largest party, failed to secure the numbers required to form the government. Vijay on Thursday met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Raj Bhavan for the second consecutive day amid intense political negotiations over government formation.

Sources indicated that the Governor made it clear that a stable administration was essential and insisted that Vijay submit letters of support from at least 118 MLAs before being invited to take oath as Chief Minister. The Tamil Nadu Assembly has 234 seats, and the majority mark stands at 118.

TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly elections, positioning itself ahead of traditional Dravidian rivals. However, Vijay’s victory from two constituencies has further complicated the arithmetic, as resigning from one seat would reduce the party’s effective tally to 107. Even with possible support from the Congress party’s five legislators, TVK would still require additional backing from smaller parties or independents to cross the majority threshold.

Meanwhile, political activity across the state has intensified. AIADMK reportedly shifted its 28 MLAs to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation of possible alliance discussions. According to media reports, long-time rivals AIADMK and DMK are exploring a power-sharing arrangement to prevent political instability in the state. Discussions are said to include a formula under which AIADMK could lead the government with outside support from DMK and smaller regional parties.

Though no official confirmation has been issued by either camp, the developments have triggered widespread debate over the possibility of an unprecedented political realignment in Tamil Nadu politics.

In a parallel development, West Bengal Governor N. Ravi dissolved the state Assembly after the completion of its term, formally ending Mamata Banerjee’s tenure as Chief Minister and bringing an end to the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in the state.

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