Vijay stakes claim to be Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, oath tomorrow at 3:15 pm.

Ending a four-day political deadlock, TVK chief Vijay has formally staked his claim to form the government after presenting letters of support from 120 MLAs to Governor RV Arlekar. Sources within the TVK suggest the party is pushing for the oath-taking ceremony to be held as early as tomorrow, May 10.

A festive mood has taken over Tamil Nadu as Vijay's fans and TVK workers celebrate the actor-turned-politician officially staking his claim to form the government. Having secured the crucial backing of the VCK and IUML, Vijay now has reached the magic number of 118. Massive convoys of supporters have completely choked traffic near the Governor’s residence (Raj Bhavan) and TVK headquarters.

After extending unconditional support to TVK, VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan says, "This decision has been taken because the VCK should not become an obstacle to TVK leader Vijay forming the government, and also because President’s Rule should not be imposed. We are extending our support only for the formation of the government. There are no other conditions attached to it. Vijay had informed us that he would come here, but I told him that we could meet after the swearing-in ceremony and that he need not come here today. Party cadres may now disperse. We formally informed DMK president M.K. Stalin. He said, “If you have decided to take this stand, my wishes for your decision.”"

Visuals show TVK chief Vijay arriving at Raj Bhavan for his high-stakes meeting with Governor RV Arlekar.

Vijay is heading to Raj Bhavan with a claimed majority to meet Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar. Arlekar has reportedly cancelled his flight to Kerala, sources told NDTV. This will be their fourth meeting in as many days.

Earlier, the actor-turned-politician met the Governor on Friday to stake his claim to form the government. 

At the time, sources in the Governor’s office stated that Vijay had not yet been invited to take the oath as Chief Minister because he had not proven the support of 118 MLAs.Previously, Vijay and Arlekar met on Wednesday and Thursday. On both occasions, the Governor dismissed the claim, maintaining that the TVK leader did not yet have the required support in the House.

Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar is likely to meet Vijay soon. According to sources, he has cancelled his flight to Kerala.

Vijay to meet Tamil Nadu Governor for fourth time on Monday, will claim support of 120 MLAs: Sources

"We are really happy. BJP was trying to manipulate AIADMK into stopping Vijay from forming the government. We are very happy that we got the majority mark,"Congress MP Jothimani told NDTV.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: TVK and VCK supporters burst crackers, sloganeer and celebrate outside VCK office in Chennai.
VCK, along with CPI, CPI(M) and Congress, has extended unconditional support to TVK, clearing its path to form a government in the state. pic.twitter.com/r0u61t6grh

— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2026

Majority Tally: TVK-led Coalition

TVK: 107

Congress: 5

VCK: 2

CPI: 2

CPIM: 2

IUML: 2

Total: 120

In another significant boost for Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has extended its support to the party. The IUML, which won 2 seats in the Tamil Nadu elections, joins the VCK and the Left parties in backing the actor-politician’s bid to form the government.

என் உயிரோடு கலந்திருக்கும் தலைவர் கலைஞரின் அன்பு உடன்பிறப்புகளுக்கும், என் உயிர்நிகர் தமிழ் மக்களுக்கும் என் அன்பு வணக்கம்.

தேர்தல் முடிவுகள் அறிவிக்கப்பட்ட பின்பு, நடக்கும் நிகழ்வுகளை நீங்கள் பார்க்கிறீர்கள். எந்தக் கட்சிக்கும் ஆட்சி அமைக்கும் பெரும்பான்மை கிடைக்காத வகையில்…

— M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) May 9, 2026

Sources told NDTV that VCK has extended its unconditional support to the TVK to form the first coalition government in Tamil Nadu.

Celebrations break out at TVK headquarters as Vijay’s numbers nightmare appears to have ended. The actor-turned-politician, who struggled to hit the halfway mark despite a massive electoral debut earlier this week, is learnt to have finally secured a majority, paving the way for his oath-taking ceremony.

Vijay finally reaches majority figure of 118 MLAs as VCK offers letter of support.

A major rebellion is reportedly brewing within AIADMK, with senior leader CV Shanmugam allegedly planning to split the party, sources said.

According to sources, over 30 AIADMK MLAs are backing him and some are inclined to support TVK. This comes amid a key huddle at Shanmugam's office in Chennai, where senior leaders, including SP Velumani, MR Vijaybhaskar, Natham Viswanathan, and C Vijayabhaskar gathered after the MLAs returned from a Puducherry resort today. 

Sources indicate that three AIADMK MLAs may join TVK, raising speculation of a possible TVK + AIADMK alliance forming the next government in Tamil Nadu. Earlier allegations that these lawmakers wanted to back TVK were denied by the party.

Three senior AIADMK leaders are reportedly set to dump party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) to join actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

According to sources, high-profile figures CV Shanmugam, Leen Rose, and C Vijayabhaskar are on the verge of switching sides.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | TVK chief Vijay arrives at his Pattinapakkam residence from his Neelankarai residence in Chennai.
So far, Congress, CPI and CPI(M) have extended their support to TVK to form a government in the state. pic.twitter.com/exlOWVWK4R

— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2026

The AIADMK has denied that there was a proposal to make VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan the chief minister if the Dravidian party manages to stitch a coalition with the DMK, said sources.

The denial follows reports that the DMK and AIADMK had been in talks with the VCK and were considering giving the top post to Thirumavalavan in exchange for his support.  

The VCK secured just two out of the total 234 seats. That's less than 1% of the total assembly strength. Read more

VCK has given unconditional support to Vijay's TVK, finally ending the actor-politician's number nightmare, sources said.

With the support of 2 VCK MLAs, Vijay will reach the 'magic number' of 118 and form the government.

TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna is likely to meet governor today, sources said.

This will be the fourth time TVK will be meeting the governor.

CPI(M) Tamil Nadu leadership will meet the DMK to communicate the circumstances that led to the Left supporting TVK, CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby said.

VIDEO | “CPI(M) Tamil Nadu leadership will meet the DMK to communicate the circumstances that led to the Left supporting TVK,” says CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby.
(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/TTLyY80VzA

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 9, 2026

AIADMK has rejected any proposal of VCK chief as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, sources said, adding that MK Stalin has given a go-ahead to VCK to join the TVK alliance.

Negotiations are at the final stage, they added.

AIADMK chief Edapaddi Palaniswami made a cryptic post amid the suspense over Tamil Nadu government formation.

"In the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections that have concluded successfully, candidates from various parties have contested and emerged victorious. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the party that will form the government in Tamil Nadu," he wrote in a post on X.

நடைபெற்று முடிந்த 17வது தமிழ்நாடு சட்டமன்ற பேரவைத் தேர்தலில் பல்வேறு கட்சிகள் சார்பில் வேட்பாளர்கள் போட்டியிட்டு வெற்றி பெற்றுள்ளனர். தமிழ்நாட்டில் ஆட்சி அமைக்கும் கட்சிக்கு எனது மனமார்ந்த நல்வாழ்த்துக்களை தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.@AIADMKOfficial

— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) May 9, 2026

Superstar actor Vijay's remarkable cinema-to-chief minister story arc hit yet another bump Friday night after the Indian Union Muslim League and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam made it clear they will not, at this time, back his two-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in forming the next Tamil Nadu government.

The IUML and AMMK won three seats between them in last month's election. Two of those - which Vijay's TVK claimed had been offered - could have put it over the line in its bid to rustle up 118 seats, the majority mark and 10 more than it has now.

But then the 'deal' fell through, embarrassingly hours after Vijay met Governor RV Arlekar, who is seen as having stymied the TVK's push by demanding to see the 118 letters of support rather than allowing the party to prove a majority in the House.

The focus now shifts to the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and its two MLA-elects, seats the TVK thought were in the bag, only to find party boss Thol Thirumavalavan still on the fence about breaking from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's side.

DMK and AIADMK talks are still underway, sources said, adding that they are exploring an alliance with the VCK.

According to sources, they are holding talks to project VCK chief as the Chief Minister.

The VCK has said it will announce its decision to back Vijay's TVK at 4 pm.

#WATCH | Chennai | On the issue of extending support to TVK, a VCK leader says, "The place and the time of the press meet will be announced around 4 pm today." pic.twitter.com/6oIhElzfOv

— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2026

After three days' stay at a Puducherry resort, AIADMK MLAs came to meet their party's general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami at his residence in Chennai today.

More than 30 party legislators were asked to stay at the resort in the neighbouring union territory to allegedly prevent them from "cross-voting or defections," as Vijay-led TVK is busy shoring up numbers to form a government after emerging as the single largest party in the April 23 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu.

AIADMK sources said that Palaniswami will chair a legislators' meeting to discuss the party's next move amid political uncertainty in forming the new government, news agency PTI reported.

PMK founder Ramadoss said given the extraordinary political climate in Tamil Nadu, the governor should immediately invite the Vijay-led TVK, which stands as the single largest party in the state, to form the government.

"It is the duty of everyone to bow to the people's verdict. This process must not be delayed. An invitation should be extended immediately," he said.

Noting that parties such as the Congress and Left parties have already signalled their support to the TVK in the interest of the state's welfare, he said VCK chief Thirumavalavan should follow suit.

"If he offers his support, the governor should formally invite Vijay and administer the oath of office to him as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Bearing the current circumstances in mind, I earnestly request my younger brother, Thirumavalavan, to immediately extend his support to TVK and, by doing so, he would honour the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu and facilitate the establishment of a new government," he added. 

DMK leader TKS Elangovan has slammed Vijay over the drama in Tamil Nadu, saying he should first get support and then approach the Governor.

"He (Vijay) should first try with other political parties and then approach the Governor. If AMMK MLAs are not supporting TVK, then why should he give a letter of support? Let us see what happens when the police investigate the complaint," he said.

#WATCH | Chennai | DMK leader TKS Elangovan says, "He (TVK chief Vijay) should first try with other political parties and then approach the Governor. If AMMK MLAs are not supporting TVK, then why should he give a letter of support? Let us see what happens when the police… pic.twitter.com/IPIfw54koq

— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2026

Actor-politician Vijay was "badly advised" by the Congress to approach the Governor with a coalition government instead of a single-largest party to form the government in the state, political commentator S Gurumurthy told NDTV.

According to Gurumurthy, Congress did not give unconditional support to Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) like the communist parties - hinting at the beginning of harsh trading.

"The whole thing was messed up by the advisors of TVK because they were first advised by a very senior politician to claim that they are the single largest party, and they should be allowed to form the government. Then the governor may have had no chance except to consider that request. But I am told, some others insisted, and the Congress also insisted, to add their letter and say it will be a coalition government. This is where I think technically the matter shifted from the single party forming the government to a coalition forming the government," he told NDTV.

TVK's Vijay is likely to meet VCK chief Thirumavalavan today, said sources.

Thirumavalavan met DMK chief MK Stalin last night, they added.

Over 40 Tamil Nadu MLAs, who were in Pondicherry amid poaching fears, have left for Chennai.

For the TVK and Vijay, it appears to be the case of 'so close, yet so far'. Two of his potential allies - IUML and AMMK - have made it clear that they won't back the party, hours after the actor-politician met Governor RV Arlekar to stake a claim to form the government, but couldn't fulfil his condition of providing written support of at least 118 MLAs.

Sources in the Governor's office have said that Vijay hasn't been invited to take the oath as the Chief Minister today because he couldn't prove the support of 118 MLAs, the majority mark in the state's 234-strong Assembly.

Despite hectic negotiations with the VCK, AMMK, and an IUML MLA to convince them to side with the TVK, Vijay couldn't muster the requisite support, the sources said, adding the actor-politician has the support of 116 MLAs. READ MORE

A speech delivered nearly three decades ago has resurfaced at a moment when Tamil Nadu is dealing with the aftermath of a hung assembly. The largest party in terms of seats won in the recently held Assembly elections -- Vijay's TVK -- has not been invited to form the government and is instead seeking support from smaller parties that hold one or two seats each. The second-largest party remains outside government. The third largest party is part of the coalition, while the smallest party holds a position in government. 

Against this backdrop, observers are recalling a 1997 speech by former BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, whose remarks on the contradictions of coalition politics were delivered during a confidence motion debate in the Lok Sabha.

The speech, delivered on April 11, 1997, during discussions on the survival of Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's United Front government, is remembered not just for its sharp observation but also for its humour. Mahajan's speech is viral again as parties in Tamil Nadu engage in negotiations that cross ideological lines, including a short-lived buzz of an alignment between archenemies DMK and AIADMK.

VCK is likely to back Vijay's TVK today, sources said.

VCK will hold a press briefing today at 10 AM.

It was widely reported on Friday that TTV Dhinakaran's lone MLA in AMMK was firmly backing actor-politician Vijay, who is hard-pressed to muster the written support of at least 118 MLAs to fulfil Governor RV Arlekar's precondition for forming the government. However, hours after the TVK chief met the Governor and reportedly submitted letters of support from 116 MLAs, Dhinakaran announced support to the AIADMK, which has not even attempted to form a government of its own.

Asked about his perceived U-turn, Dhinakaran described his party's alleged letter of support to TVK as either "forgery" or "horse-trading".

In an interview with NDTV, Dhinakaran, the nephew of late Jayalalithaa's aide Sasikala, accused Vijay's TVK of trying to poach his MLA. He also demanded action against the party for alleged horse-trading, a term used to describe the trade of political loyalties in return for inducements.

"How can they do horse trading? Whom have the people voted and elected? Mr Kamaraj (Mannargudi AMMK MLA S Kamaraj), against TVK and DMK. It is a clear-cut case of horse trading... Or it may be a forgery. The Governor should investigate," he said. READ MORE

The political uncertainty over government formation in Tamil Nadu deepened on Friday after Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran met Acting Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and alleged that one of his party MLAs had gone missing amid attempts to cobble together a majority in the fractured state Assembly.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay, whose party emerged as the single largest formation with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, has been seeking support from other parties after falling short of the majority mark of 118.

Vijay had secured letters of support from the Congress, CPI and CPI(M), with the two Left parties extending outside support.

Armed with these letters, Vijay met Governor Arlekar for the third time on Friday and reiterated his claim to form the government.

Tamil Nadu government formation suspense continues as Vijay's TVK still needs two MLAs to form majority.

Sources said that VCK is likely to back Vijay.

🔴#BREAKING | Tamil Nadu 'sarkar' formation suspense continues as TVK still needs 2 MLAs from majority; VCK likely to back Vijay, as pers sources
NDTV's @reethu_journo joins @reetksahni with more details pic.twitter.com/b9SxsGxecM

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 9, 2026

Five Congress MLAs have been moved to Bengaluru from Hyderabad amid confusion over Tamil Nadu government formation.

IUML leader AM Shahjahan said that the party has not supported TVK, calling reports "rumours".

"We didn't support anybody. I didn't give any letters to anybody. This is just a rumour. We are continuing with the alliance under the leadership of DMK. There is no question of supporting TVK. We are continuing with the DMK alliance," he said.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: On a question of support to TVK, IUML leader A.M. Shahjahan says, "We didn't support anybody. I didn't give any letters to anybody. This is just a rumour. We are continuing with the alliance under the leadership of DMK."
He further says, "No, there… pic.twitter.com/vZfXFEQgyV

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran filed a police complaint against TVK over an allegedly "forged" letter claiming his MLA's support for Vijay's party.

The move came an hour after Vijay's party shared a video of the AMMK MLA claiming he had "voluntarily and happily" written a letter expressing support for TVK.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | AMMK Party General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran visited the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Guindy Range
This comes amid Dhinakaran's claim that TVK shared 'forged copy' of MLA Kamaraj's letter with the Governor and that he is filing a… pic.twitter.com/GgF0T6Eaz8

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

Amid high-voltage drama over the formation of the TVK government in Tamil Nadu, Vijay's party shared a video of AMMK MLA Kamaraj, claiming his written support. TVK said Kamaraj was extending support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam with the approval of AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran.

#WATCH | TVK shares a video of AMMK MLA Kamaraj, saying "These are the video visuals of AMMK MLA Kamaraj voluntarily and happily writing a letter expressing his support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. He had stated that he was extending support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam… pic.twitter.com/sM3xtyXx12

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

The speech, delivered on April 11, 1997, during discussions on the survival of Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's United Front government, is remembered not just for its sharp observation but also for its humour.

Back in 2006, when former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa formed an alliance with MDMK chief Vaiko, she told waiting reporters that "there are no permanent friends or allies in politics."

TVK top brass are holding a meeting at party chief Vijay's house.

In a major political development, Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK) on Friday extended its support to All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu, while urging the Governor to invite the party to form the government.

In a letter addressed to the Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran wrote that the party supports AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palanisami's claim to form the government. He urged the Governor to invite EPS to form the government and "be sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state."

-ANI

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam which won 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections to finish as the single-largest party, a victory widely attributed to the star appeal of actor-turned-politician Vijay. However, despite the mandate, the party is facing hurdles in forming the government. In an effort to break the continuing deadlock, Vijay is scheduled to meet Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi Arlekar.

Meanwhile, public curiosity around Vijay and his newly formed party has grown well beyond Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Across the country, there is keen interest to know the newly formed party.

"We didn't support anybody. I didn't give any letters to anybody. This is just a rumour. We are continuing with the alliance under the leadership of DMK," said  IUML leader AM Shahjahan.

Sources said all five MLAs of Congress in Tamil Nadu are being taken to Hyderabad.

The story of Suvendu Adhikari begins in 2011 - from a stage in Dharmatala that made him invisible and denied him the limelight he thought should've been his.

AMMK Chief TTV Dhinakaran urges the Tamil Nadu governor to invite the AIADMK to form government.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has decided to withdraw support to Vijay's TVK.

Sources in governor's office told NDTV that Vijay has not been able to prove majority, has not been invited to take oath tomorrow.

"Tomorrow morning by 11 am, swearing-in ceremony is going to take place," said CPI(M) Leader K Balakrishnan.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: CPI(M) leader K. Balakrishnan says, "Tomorrow morning by 11 am, swearing-in ceremony is going to take place. Invitation and other things will be sent before that. We have given the letter in support. He (TVK chief Vijay) went to the Governor and the… pic.twitter.com/euXtfNXKUc

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

TVK Chief Vijay left the CPI(M) office in Chennai after meeting the leaders. 

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: TVK chief Vijay leaves from CPI(M) office in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/1FLLXBD8IL

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

#WATCH | Chennai: CPI State Secretary Veerapandian says, "TVK is the single-largest party. It needs 6 MLAs to form the Govt. We have given 6 MLAs of CPI, CPI(M) and VCK. We have given our support; it is our democratic duty. This is a people's democracy. We will stand with… https://t.co/6ul424AjEh pic.twitter.com/MBHI3F8akM

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

 TVK Chief Vijay reached the CPI(M) office in Chennai.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: TVK chief Vijay arrives at the CPI(M) office in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/2Jn7enICSr

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

Vijay stakes claim to form government, tells Tamil Nadu governor he has support of 118 MLAs. Sources said oath-taking will take place tomorrow at 11 am.

Sources close to the TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) have denied that the party has filed any plea before the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Tamil Nadu governor inviting actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay to form the government in Tamil Nadu.

The clarification comes after a petitioner, Ezhilarasi K, claiming to be an active member of the party, moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Tamil Nadu Governor to invite Vijay to form the government in the state.

Sources said Vijay has the support of 120 MLAs.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to both VCK Chief Thirumavalavan and CPI chief D Raja on seeking support for TVK. 

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: TVK chief Vijay arrives at the Lok Bhavan in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/OiuoRf9qYZ

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

Vijay meets Tamil Nadu governor RV Arlekar to stake claim. 

Vijay doesn't have majority yet, final negotiations on with three parties, say sources.

After what seemed like a done deal, last-minute hiccups have emerged for Vijay to form government in Tamil Nadu.

தமிழ்நாடு சட்டமன்றத் தேர்தல் முடிவுகள் வெளியாகி, மக்களால் தேர்வு செய்யப்பட்ட சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினர்களின் பட்டியலைத் தேர்தல் ஆணையம் வெளியிட்டு விட்டது. ஏற்கனவே இருந்த சட்டமன்றத்தையும் கலைத்து மாண்புமிகு ஆளுநர் அவர்கள் ஆணையும் பிறப்பித்து விட்டார். இப்படியொரு நிலையில், தேர்தலில் வென்ற…

— M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) May 8, 2026

"VCK has also said that they will take the same decision, as CPI and CPI (M). VCK is also giving their support to TVK. Soon, the VCK leader will come and tell this to you all," said CPI(M) state secretary TT Shanmugam.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: CPI and CPI(M) extend unconditional support to TVK for the formation of government.
CPI(M) state secretary TT Shanmugam says, "VCK has also said that they will take the same decision, as CPI and CPI (M). VCK is also giving their support to TVK. Soon, the… pic.twitter.com/KEuuZuANW2

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

In a joint press conference with CPI(M), CPI State Secretary Veerapandian says, "TVK approached CPI, CPI(M) and VCK. We had our party meeting. It's normal in a democracy to have ups and downs. Tamil Nadu people have supported and decided to elect TVK. We have taken decision in a democratic way."

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: CPI and CPI(M) extend unconditional support to TVK for the formation of government.
In a joint press conference with CPI(M), CPI State Secretary Veerapandian says, "TVK approached CPI, CPI(M) and VCK. We had our party meeting. It's normal in a democracy to… pic.twitter.com/QmlhOpzMSb

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

TVK Joint General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar has left from the residence of party chief Vijay in Chennai.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: TVK Joint General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar leaves from the residence of party chief Vijay, in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/9yJHNREUUq

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

CPI and CPI(M) have extended unconditional support to TVK for the formation of the Tamil Nadu government.

CPI and CPI(M) extend unconditional support to TVK for the formation of government in Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/3CVFXTAzcB

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

Amid hectic talks over government formation in Tamil Nadu, Congress leader Manickam Tagore on Friday took potshots at those criticising his party for supporting the TVK, saying it has been anti-BJP from day one and the Congress has stood with that.

Tagore justified the Congress support to the TVK to "respect the people's mandate" in forming a stable government and to keep the NDA out of power in the southern state.

Tamil Nadu will get its first ever coalition government as superstar Vijay appears to have secured a majority with the backing from smaller parties. As per coalition modalities, the smaller allies will also have representation in the cabinet - meaning ministerial berths, sources say.

While the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi will get one ministerial post, two will be kept for the Left parties - Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPM), they say.

Vijay claims support of 121 MLAs. In TVK's draft letter to the governor, accessed by NDTV, Vijay lists Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), AMMK, and IUML as supporters. 

Making the end of the DMK's alliance with the Congress official, Kanimozhi has written to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, requesting that the seating arrangement of the party's members be changed from their current positions next to their former ally. 

The DMK, with 22 MPs, is the fourth largest constituent of the Opposition INDIA alliance, which has been under strain for some time now and appears to have reached a breaking point with the Congress, which fought the Tamil Nadu elections as part of a coalition led by the DMK, supporting Vijay's TVK to form a government. 

Writing to Om Birla, who is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Kanimozhi highlighted "changed political circumstances" and said the partnership with the Congress had ended.

Sources say Vijay is likely to meet VCK and Left leaders after meeting the governor. 

"At present, TVK is going to gain the full majority. Vijay is going to meet the Governor at 4.30 pm to stake claim to form government," said TVK leader Kamaraj.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: TVK leader Kamaraj says, "At present, TVK is going to gain the full majority. Vijay is going to meet the Governor at 4.30 pm to stake claim to form Govt. We are very happy to see that CPI, CPI(M) and VCK have accepted the people's mandate to form the… https://t.co/vgANAXXYN8 pic.twitter.com/ElLjUeozGC

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

Sources suggest the left will get two cabinet berths in the TVK government, while VCK will get one berth, with its chief expected to be a minister. 

The Congress's decision to side with the TVK, whose electoral blockbuster has spelled the end of DMK rule in Tamil Nadu, has not gone down well among a section of party leaders. Criticising his own party, veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has called it a "dreadful" move that "smacked of low political opportunism".

By deciding to jump ship and join the TVK despite opposing them in the last election, he said, the party has violated Mahatma Gandhi's 1925 maxim that Swaraj should be a government based on morality.

TVK workers and supporters celebrate outside the party headquarters in Chennai, amid reports of CPI, CPI(M), and VCK extending support to the party.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: TVK workers and supporters celebrate outside the party headquarters in Chennai, amid reports of CPI, CPI(M) and VCK extending support to the party. pic.twitter.com/y4XOm222al

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

Vijay has reportedly presented a support of 113 MLAs, including five from the Congress, but the Governor has insisted that the actor-politician must muster the backing of 118 MLAs.

TVK Joint General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar reached Balan Illam, the CPI headquarters in Chennai.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: TVK Joint General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar arrives at Balan Illam, CPI Headquarters in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/EfFdzK6zbd

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

 Police detained TVK supporters agitating outside the Lok Bhavan in Chennai.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Police detain TVK supporters agitating outside Lok Bhavan in Chennai, amid the political developments over party chief Vijay's swearing-in suspense. pic.twitter.com/xYPwMRuOVv

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

Vijay finally has majority, Left and VCK extend support to TVK: Sources

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is likely to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar today at 4:30 pm amid power game. This will be their third meeting since 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Election results came out.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "does not want to be associated with any attempt to form a new government in Tamil Nadu."

In a letter, Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagenthran said that the party respects the will of the people of the state and the election results. 

"We believe that the people have not given the BJP any opportunity or power to form the government in Tamil Nadu in this election...Therefore, the Tamil Nadu BJP does not want to be associated with any attempt to form a new government in Tamil Nadu. The party does not want to take any direct part in any attempt to form the government. Furthermore, we inform the people that we will not vote for any party that is involved in the attempt to form the government."

#WATCH | Chennai | When asked if an alliance between the DMK and AIADMK could be formed, AIADMK leader Nirmala Periyasamy says, "These are just rumours..." pic.twitter.com/50969DnYC6

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

On the political developments in Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "If we go by the Supreme Court's directives, there should be no President's rule. There are so many cases in which the Supreme Court has clearly said that after the elections, the single largest party should be invited to form the government... Vijay should be given a chance to form the government. If he can prove his numbers in the assembly, then he will stay; otherwise he will have to resign."

"The enemy of the enemy is a friend. Okay! How can enemy and enemy be friends? Historical mistake. Tamil Nadu will never accept it," wrote Congress MP Jothimani on X.

எதிரிக்கு எதிரி நண்பன். ஓகே!
எதிரியும் எதிரியும் எப்படி நண்பன்? வரலாற்றுப் பிழை. தமிழ்நாடு ஒருபோதும் ஏற்காது. #திமுகஅதிமுககூட்டணி.

— Jothimani (@jothims) May 8, 2026

As the Tamil Nadu power game continues, BJP General Secretary BL Santhosh hit out at the Congress. Santhosh said the Congress, which has ditched the DMK and come out in support of the TVK, will end up with egg on its face.

"Only time will tell who will form the government in Tamil Nadu, but one thing is for sure... the Congress will end up with egg on its face," Santhosh wrote on X.

Only time will tell who will form Govt in Tamilnadu . But one thing is for sure …. @INCIndia will end up with egg on its face .

— B L Santhosh (@blsanthosh) May 8, 2026

Watch #BreakingGround with @VedikaS | Mandate politics: Anti-Vijay front emerging? @ShivAroor @TMVRaghav @Vasudha156 @jsamdaniel @DharanVija47684 pic.twitter.com/8V6aHaOr0l

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 8, 2026

Terming his party's decision to ally with the TVK in Tamil Nadu as "dreadful", veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Friday said it smacked of "low political opportunism" and asserted that if the move facilitates the backdoor entry of a "communal BJP" into the Dravidian state then it would prove to be the worst own goal in the history of political football.

Aiyar said he cannot imagine the fathers of the Indian National Congress blessing such a "politics of expediency".

Speaking with PTI, Aiyar said the Congress' decision to jump ship immediately after an election fought with the DMK to plunge into a relationship with the very TVK that took "us on in the 23 assembly segments we lost and the five we won only days ago", was "dreadful".

(PTI)

The outcome of five state assembly polls has rattled the INDIA alliance, leading to bad blood, disquiet and realignment. There are strong indicators that the Opposition bloc, facing an existential crisis, will break into two or more formations, giving the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) a distinct advantage and scope for manoeuvring for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

Paradoxically, the imminent disintegration of the INDIA alliance brings both joy and grief for the Grand Old Party. The Rahul Gandhi-led Congress has reasons to cheer the downfall of a whimsical and temperamental Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and the defeat of DMK in Tamil Nadu, for two very different reasons. 

On Tamil Nadu government formation, DMK MP Kanimozhi stressed on people's decision and called to respect it.

"It is people's mandate, and in democracy, what people decide is supreme. Unfortunately, it is not a very lear mandate, but whatever it is, we have to respect it," she said while speaking to the news agency PTI.

On reports of AIADMK and DMK alliance, she said: "It's a speculation. We cannot respond to speculation. I belong to DMK; I cannot be answering for what the AIADMK says."

DMK is ready to extend outside support to an AIADMK-led government and unlikely to participate directly in the ministry, sources said. DMK, however, has sought ministerial berths for its alliance partners, including VCK.

VCK leaders are said to be engaging with Communists on behalf of the DMK to garner support for an AIADMK. Communists may choose to remain neutral and refrain from supporting either side, particularly in view of the reported DMK-AIADMK understanding.

At the same time, a section of Communist leaders is said to be lobbying internally in favour of extending support to TVK.

Communists will announce their decision around 2 pm.

DMK Chief MK Stalin holds discussion with senior leaders at party headquarters.

KN Nehru, TR Balu, Ponmudi are part of discussion.

"Hum wo nahi jo mushkilo me saath chord de (We are not the ones who abandon each other in times of difficulty)," Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav wrote on X as he shared a picture with Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee and DMK's MK Stalin.

हम वो नहीं जो मुश्किलों में साथ छोड़ दें। pic.twitter.com/p1EosEJtvV

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 8, 2026

On being asked if an alliance between DMK and AIADMK is possible, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan says, "...I don't think it is possible because we, DMK and AIADMK, are the major enemies in Tamil Nadu politics..."

Tamil Nadu power game does not appear to end anytime soon. Ever since the reports of arch rivals DMK and AIADMK looking at possible reunion to keep actor-turned-politician Vijay out of the power, TVK is getting support from several actors.

"If it's not TVK and if it's going to be anything else but the unimaginable/shellshocking combination of DMK/AIADMK alliance to form the next government , then I as a citizen and voter foresee a disastrous and catastrophic consequential turnout amidst common public," wrote actor Vishal on X.

"Will not go down well with anyone," he added.

If it’s not #Tvk and if it’s going to be anything else but the unimaginable/shellshocking combination of DMK/AIADMK alliance to form the next government , then I as a citizen and voter foresee a disastrous and catastrophic consequential turnout amidst common public. Will not go…

— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) May 7, 2026

"The people of Tamil Nadu have decided and voted for the person they want as their leader and that has to be acknowledged and respected," wrote actor Sibi Sathyaraj in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The people of Tamil Nadu have decided and voted for the person they want as their leader and that has to be acknowledged and respected!@TVKVijayHQ

— Sibi Sathyaraj (@Sibi_Sathyaraj) May 7, 2026

Left is reportedly "deeply uncomfortable" with AIADMK as it is a BJP ally. Sources in the DMK and VCK said that they cannot allow any "communal" party to be a part of the collaboration.

Even to consider AIADMK, it needs to leave BJP, the DMK said.

Amid confusion over who will form government in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK leader said that his party will come back.

"The public sentiment is there that AIADMK has to come back to power. That may happen in the due course of time with the grace of God," said M Thambidurai.

CPM holds State Secretariat meeting to decide support for TVK or Dravidian allies. The committee will take a final call at 2 PM meet.

🔴#BREAKING | CPM holds State Secretariat meeting to decide support for TVK or Dravidian allies, Committee to take final call at 2 PM meet
NDTV's @jsamdaniel joins @ShivAroor with more details pic.twitter.com/KoU1tazf46

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 8, 2026

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi tore into Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar for not calling on Vijay to form the next government. His actions are "deplorable and unprecedented", Singhvi, also a Supreme Court senior advocate, told NDTV.

"Consider these facts... this is the single largest party... there is no other claimant," he said. "There is an inbuilt safeguard... that you will show majority in the House in 10 or 15 days. Then what is this 'spirit of democracy' in which this governor issues a press note and says he is 'not satisfied'?"

Singhvi also criticised the "conduct of centre-appointed governors of state", accusing them of having "destroyed federalism" and "playing into the hands of the centre as some puppet", making references to showdowns between the previous Tamil Nadu government - led by the DMK-Congress alliance - and then-governor RN Ravi over the latter delaying assent to bills.

Over reports of likely reunion of AIADMK and DMK to stake claims in Tamil Nadu and form government, Congress' Manickam Tagore alleged that this is to "stop Vijay."

"Two Dravidian parties. Lifelong rivals. They united overnight. Not for the sake of Tamil Nadu. Not for the sake of secularism. But solely to stop one man - Vijay. The Congress saw this clearly and walked out. You cannot claim to be a secularist while sleeping with the "B-team" of the RSS/BJP," Tagore wrote in a post on X.

"The concept of a "stable government" is merely political rhetoric used by two fearful parties to safeguard their own power," Tagore added and claimed the Congress made the right decision to switch allies and support TVK.

"Will the DMK finally drop its mask today? Who is the betrayer?" he questioned.

இரண்டு திராவிட கட்சிகள். வாழ்நாள் எதிரிகள்.
ஒரே இரவில் ஒன்றானார்கள்.
தமிழகத்திற்காக இல்லை. மதச்சார்பின்மைக்காக இல்லை.
ஒரே ஒரு மனிதனை நிறுத்த
விஜய்யை.
காங்கிரஸ் தெளிவாக பார்த்தது
வெளியேறியது.
RSS/BJP-யின் B-டீமுடன் படுத்துக்கொண்டு உங்களை மதச்சார்பற்றவர் என்று சொல்ல… https://t.co/3KZJNscFIr

— Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) May 8, 2026

In a social media post, P Chidambaram, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha suggested the Tamil Nadu Governor to invite the leader of the single largest party to form the government.

"If, in an Assembly election, no political alliance or political party secures an absolute majority, what is the duty of the Governor? Based on the numerical strength of the Members of the Legislative Assembly, the leader of the single largest party must be invited to form the government. This is the political rule. This is the parliamentary convention," Chidambaram wrote on X.

"The forum where that party's leader must prove that he commands majority support is the Legislative Assembly-not the Governor's House. This is the verdict of the Supreme Court:

1994 (3) SCC 1. I commend the political parties in Tamil Nadu that have articulated and emphasized this rule," he added.

சட்டமன்றத் தேர்தலில் எந்த அரசியல் கூட்டணிக்கும் அல்லது அரசியல் கட்சிக்கும் தனிப் பெரும்பான்மை கிடைக்கவில்லை என்றால், ஆளுநரின் கடமை என்ன?
சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினர்களின் எண்ணிக்கை அடிப்படையில் முதன்மைக் கட்சியின் தலைவரை ஆட்சி அமைக்க அழைக்க வேண்டும்.
இது தான் அரசியல் விதி. இது தான்…

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 8, 2026

Newly elected TVK MLAs meet at party headquarters to discuss coalition strategy and how to counter a coup.  

TVK leaders express confidence of a positive outcome for party and Vijay.

CPM is set to begin its state secretariat meet at 10 am and decide on supporting either actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK or the Dravidian coalition.

CPM state committee is said to take the final call at its 2 pm meet. 

In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee shared an image with the text: "Don't betray the mandate. Don't manipulate."

The post comes amid delay in Tamil Nadu government formation. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Governor of attempting to deny TVK its "rightful democratic opportunity" to form the government through "backroom political manoeuvring".

Don't Betray the Mandate, Don't Manipulate! pic.twitter.com/tuwoTqsiDg

— Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (@INCTamilNadu) May 8, 2026

Over 40 AIADMK MLAs have been staying at a private resort in Puducherry's Poorankuppam since Wednesday amid ongoing political developments in Tamil Nadu.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday held a meeting with the newly elected MLAs at the resort.

"Governor is bound to seek clarity on numbers, Congress cannot help TVK cross 118-seat mark," says AIADMK.

🔴#BREAKING | "Governor is bound to seek clarity on numbers, Congress cannot help TVK cross 118-seat mark" : AIADMK
NDTV's @DharanVija47684 joins @reetksahni with more details pic.twitter.com/FeNaVztd8Q

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 8, 2026

The rise of Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam or TVK may spark what has been considered impossible over the last 50 years - an alliance between Dravidian arch-rivals DMK and AIADMK - all to keep the actor-politician out of power. Sources have told NDTV that the Udhayanidhi Stalin faction of the DMK fear that Vijay could bring about a re-run of the years under AIADMK's iconic Chief Minister MG Ramachandran or MGR, who in his lifetime, had never allowed the DMK to capture power. 

The other half of this arrangement, the AIADMK, is ready to consider it in view of its survival, especially in view of its four successive poll defeats since the death of J Jayalalithaa. And the BJP, which comprises the backroom, is interested in keeping the Congress out of power after its alliance with the TVK, sources said.

Tamil Nadu governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is not convinced that Vijay's party, TVK, has numbers to form the government, according to the sources. But can the governor do that despite TVK emerging as the single-largest party? TVK secured 108 seats, just short of the majority-mark of 118.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has threatened that all of its 107 MLAs will resign if either of the two Dravidian parties -- MK Stalin's DMK or E Palaniswami's AIADMK -- try to stake claim to form government in Tamil Nadu, according to sources. 

Actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the architect behind the latest election blockbuster in Tamil Nadu, on Thursday reached out to one more MLA amid growing uncertainty over government formation. The TVK is learnt to have sought the support of Kamaraj S, the lone winning candidate of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), led by TTV Dhinakaran.

The TVK's move comes amid a stalemate with Governor RV Arlekar, who remains unconvinced that the party can run an administration despite falling short of the required majority. The TVK is confident that it would have the required majority by today, party insiders say.

In a strongly worded statement, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Governor of attempting to deny Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam its "rightful democratic opportunity" to form the government through what he described as "backroom political manoeuvring".

The Congress leader alleged that the Governor was acting at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government and not in accordance with democratic conventions or constitutional morality.

"The Bharatiya Janata Party and its puppet Governor are indulging in unconstitutional actions to prevent Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government despite the people clearly rejecting the traditional political order in the State," Selvaperunthagai said in the statement.

Escalating the political confrontation over government formation in Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee on Thursday announced statewide protests on May 8 against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for not inviting Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay to form the next government despite his party emerging as the single-largest formation in the Assembly elections.