4..3..2..1…It’s Whistle Podu Time! The Numbers Behind Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Government Formation

Last Updated:May 10, 2026, 08:26 IST

Vijay-led party now has six partners-- Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML. The total seat tally is now at 120 seats in 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly.

Mirroring the high-octane drama of a Vijay film where the most intense conflicts precede the climax, the journey of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was fraught with significant hurdles before everything finally fell into place.

After emerging as the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections—successfully dismantling the DMK-AIADMK duopoly that had dominated the state for nearly seven decades—it appeared the path ahead would be a cakewalk for the newcomer. However, as the post-election reality set in, it became clear that the struggle was far from over.

Numbers Behind Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Government Formation

Following his party’s historic emergence as the single largest party, TVK chief Vijay navigated a high-stakes five-day deadlock to secure his path to power. On May 4, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 seats, leaving them ten short of a majority in the 234-member assembly. Notably, Vijay won both the Perambur and Trichy East seats, though he can only cast a single vote during a trust vote.

In a significant shift, the Congress snapped its alliance with the DMK to support Vijay, seeking its first share of power in nearly 70 years. Armed with this backing, Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on May 6 to stake his claim, but was told to return only once a full majority was established.

A second meeting at Raj Bhavan on May 7 yielded the same result, with the Governor explaining that the requisite majority support had still not been proven. By May 8, Vijay met the Governor for a third time after securing the support of the CPI(M) and CPI (two seats each). Despite this—and a personal visit by Vijay to the CPI(M) headquarters that Friday night to thank the leadership—his tally stood at 116, still two seats shy of the 118-mark.

The breakthrough finally arrived on Saturday, May 9, when the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) submitted formal letters of support, pushing the alliance’s tally to 120. Following a final evening meeting, the Governor appointed Vijay as the Chief Minister-designate. While his swearing-in was set for May 10, he has been directed to prove his majority on the floor of the house on or before May 13.

Vijay-led party now has six partners– Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML.

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