Tamil Nadu Congress Stages Protest Against Governor For Not Inviting Vijay To Form Govt

Last Updated:May 08, 2026, 13:02 IST

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai accused the BJP and the Governor of attempting to deny TVK its “rightful democratic opportunity”

The Congress in Tamil Nadu on Friday staged statewide protests against the BJP-led Union government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, accusing them of delaying the formation of a new government despite the TVK emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

The agitation comes even as the Congress has formally extended support to TVK chief Vijay, asserting that democratic and constitutional norms require the Governor to invite him to form the government and prove his majority on the floor of the House.

In a strongly worded statement issued earlier, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai accused the BJP and the Governor of attempting to deny TVK its “rightful democratic opportunity" through what he termed “backroom political manoeuvring."

He alleged that Raj Bhavan was acting under pressure from the BJP-led Union government rather than following established conventions and constitutional morality.

“The developments unfolding in Tamil Nadu amount to a deliberate attempt to undermine the popular mandate delivered by the people," Selvaperunthagai said, claiming that voters had clearly rejected the State’s traditional political order in the recent elections.

Announcing the protest programme, the Congress leader said demonstrations would be held at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu on Friday morning.

Senior party leaders, district presidents, office-bearers, legislators and cadres were asked to participate in large numbers.

The protests come amid continuing uncertainty over government formation after the Assembly elections produced a fractured verdict.

The TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling short of a simple majority but still emerging as the largest single party, triggering intense political realignments in the State.

While the Congress and other parties have argued that Vijay should be invited first to form the government and test his numbers in the Assembly, Raj Bhavan sources have indicated that the Governor is seeking proof of sufficient numerical support before taking a final call.

The standoff has fuelled heightened political activity in Chennai, with parties engaged in negotiations and consultations as the State waits for clarity on who will form the next government.

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