Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) secures the largest bloc in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly, triggering discussions on government formation. With 108 seats and Congress backing, the Governor faces decisions on inviting Vijay to form the government as floor tests approach.
Chennai
-Prakash KL
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is scheduled to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at 11 AM on Thursday, as per sources, amid efforts to form the next state government. TVK emerges as the single-largest party after the recent assembly elections and waits for a formal invitation.
TVK secures 108 of the 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, placing the party ahead of both Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Actor-turned-politician Vijay leads the party in its debut electoral contest, which shifts the balance in state politics.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay, whose party won 108 seats in Tamil Nadu elections, is scheduled to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake claim for government formation, following Congress’s support pledge.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK seat tally and Tamil Nadu power equations
The election outcome ends the DMK-AIADMK duopoly that shapes Tamil Nadu politics for about three decades. DMK finishes with 59 seats, while AIADMK wins 47 seats. With Vijay deciding to vacate one of the two constituencies, TVK’s working strength in the assembly will stand at 107 seats.
The detailed seat distribution in the 234-member house is as follows:
| Party | Seats Won |
|---|---|
| Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) | 108 |
| Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) | 59 |
| All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) | 47 |
Court support, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK allies and Governor’s Tamil Nadu options
Before the current discussions, Congress formally extends full support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and Vijay for forming the government. This support comes with Congress ending its alliance with previous partner DMK. No other combination in the house publicly claims majority support so far, according to political leaders.
Senior Advocate and Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi argues that the Governor must now invite Vijay to form the government, as leader of the largest party. Singhvi says, “I must say with great regret that the Governor, who is to be the repository of constitutional wisdom, has no alternative but to call the single largest party in Tamil Nadu to form the government. There is no question about it. In fact, in law, in precedent, in tradition, in constitutional culture, in constitutional flavour. It has happened umpteen times in the past. Also, no other formation has even staked a claim. The shortage is barely 7-8 seats, plus the Governor will always be stipulating that the floor of the house will prove the majority in 10-12 days. So what is the problem? This kind of destruction or dilution of constitutional norms and precedents is very condemnable, and I say so with great regret. It should have been done long ago.”
A day earlier, Vijay meets Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan and formally stakes claim to form the Tamil Nadu Government. The Governor, on Wednesday, dissolves the state Legislative Assembly with effect from May 5, preparing the ground for installing a new council of ministers once majority is demonstrated on the floor.
Vijay wins from both Tiruchirapalli East and Perambur constituencies, showing that electoral support stretches beyond cinema fans. Sources state that Vijay plans to resign from one seat, which reduces TVK’s final tally in the assembly to 107, though the party still remains the largest bloc by a clear margin.
Despite TVK’s position, AIADMK rules out lending support to the party in government formation talks. Deputy Coordinator KP Munusamy states on Wednesday that “whatever the situation is, AIADMK will not support TVK.” With Congress backing TVK and AIADMK staying out, the Governor’s decision and the coming floor test will determine the next Tamil Nadu government.
