Confusion Over TVK Chief Vijay's Govt Formation As He Submits Letter To Guv With 116 Signs Only

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is set to lead the Tamil Nadu government as allied parties back the party to reach a majority, with letters from VCK and IUML awaited and the governor awaiting confirmation for the oath ceremony.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay is poised to head the next Tamil Nadu government, as support from allies pushes the party across the majority mark, though Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is yet to fix a swearing-in date while waiting for crucial confirmation letters from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League, according to Lok Bhavan officials.

Sources said Vijay met the Governor on Friday evening and submitted documents showing backing from 116 MLAs. Vijay reportedly assured Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar that formal letters from the VCK and IUML would arrive soon. Officials at Lok Bhavan indicated that an announcement on the oath-taking ceremony is likely once these final written commitments reach the Raj Bhavan.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK majority support in Tamil Nadu Assembly

The numbers behind Vijay’s claim are built on rapid post-poll alliances. Congress, VCK, the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) pledged support soon after results, taking TVK close to the majority threshold of 118 in the 234-member Assembly and reshaping the Opposition space in Tamil Nadu politics.

With backing from VCK, the Left parties and IUML, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam now commands support from 120 legislators in the House. TVK itself has 107 MLAs, while the IUML, a former ally of the DMK, brings two members. However, Lok Bhavan sources clarified that written signatures from only 116 MLAs have been formally placed before the Governor so far.

The CPI(M) submitted an unconditional letter, describing its backing as essential to “ensure stability and respect the electoral mandate”. Congress’s five MLAs, along with two each from CPI and CPI(M), were among the earliest to commit. These decisions followed hectic, mostly private, discussions that involved outreach by Mallikarjun Kharge to Thol Thirumavalavan and IUML leaders.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK negotiations over Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister post

The delay in Vijay’s swearing-in comes amid tense bargaining over power sharing. Sources said the VCK has asked for the Deputy Chief Minister position for Thol Thirumavalavan. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leaders, however, are understood to have countered with an offer of the Urban Affairs portfolio, and discussions between the parties are continuing.

This phase of negotiations began after a hung verdict on 4 May left TVK short of a clear majority. The Congress quickly announced support for Vijay’s party, placing pressure on former ally DMK. Senior DMK leaders reacted sharply, saying the Congress move had effectively broken the INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu, and signalling a deeper rift in the Opposition alliance.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK government formation stand-off with Governor

Before assembling the current list of 116 supporting MLAs, Vijay had already gone to Lok Bhavan twice. On Wednesday and Thursday, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar declined to invite Vijay to form the government, saying TVK lacked proof of majority. Those refusals sparked protests and criticism from Opposition parties, which accused the Centre of trying to stall government formation in the state.

The meeting on Friday marked Vijay’s third visit to the Governor in as many days, but this time he carried the signatures that government sources say were requested during earlier interactions. Officials indicated that once letters from VCK and IUML arrive, the Governor’s office will clear the schedule for the oath-taking ceremony at Raj Bhavan without further delay.

Vijay’s swift climb to power follows TVK’s debut Assembly performance, where the party won 108 seats in the 234-member House. The actor-politician secured victories in both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East. Under Election Commission rules, Vijay will later need to resign from one of these two constituencies, prompting a bypoll in that seat.

Several of TVK’s new partners, including VCK, CPI, CPI(M) and IUML, previously shared space in the DMK-led alliance. Their shift towards Vijay has altered the balance in Tamil Nadu, ensured TVK crosses the majority mark with 120 legislators, and left the state waiting for the final letters that will confirm a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led government.