Tamil Nadu CM Vijay won the crucial floor test with 144 votes in favour after DMK abstained and walked out of the Assembly. The victory strengthened TVK’s government while sparing AIADMK from embarrassment amid reports of an internal split and rebel MLAs backing Vijay.


Tamil Nadu: Vijay Secures Support of 144 MLAs, TVK Government Wins Floor Test

Vijay’s TVK government has won the floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly with the support of 144 MLAs, comfortably securing the majority mark. The victory strengthens TVK’s position after its landmark electoral success, marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu politics and ending decades of DMK-AIADMK dominance.


Breaking | Tamil Nadu: TVK Wins Floor Test; Secures Support from 144 MLAs 

Tamil Nadu politics is witnessing a major churn as C. V. Shanmugam openly backed C. Joseph Vijay’s TVK government while launching sharp attacks on Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Shanmugam alleged that EPS was attempting to move closer to the DMK, triggering fresh political speculation. Meanwhile, TVK appointed Ricckey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty to the CM, while JCD Prabhakar was elected Speaker, signaling rapid consolidation of the new administration.


Tamil Nadu Politics: AIADMK Leader CV Shanmugam Says His Faction Will Support TVK 

Tamil Nadu Politics: AIADMK Says Those TVK In Floor Test Will Face Action

Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay had not even begun his first day in office when a political row erupted over state song, ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu’, being relegated to third place after the National Song and the National Anthem, during the swearing-in ceremony in Chennai.


TN CM Vijay Comes Under Fire Over 'Insult' to Tamil Nadu State Song

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay faced flak from his own allies as the official state song was played third in order after the national song and national anthem. This assumes significance as Tamil pride is an emotive issue in the state.


Vijay Faces Heat From Allies as 'State Song' Played After National Anthem at Oath Ceremony

Vijay officially began his political journey as Chief Minister in the first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly, taking oath as the Perambur MLA alongside nine ministers. In a major political moment, Udhayanidhi Stalin assumed the role of Leader of Opposition from the DMK. Vijay later paid a courtesy visit to former CM M. K. Stalin, signalling a notable start to the new political chapter in Tamil Nadu.


Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's TVK Party Promises to Release a White Paper on the State's Financial Health

Tamil Nadu Row Erupts Over Playing National Song, Anthem Before TN State Song

TVK chief Vijay has officially taken oath as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in a historic swearing-in ceremony held in Chennai. The event marks a major political shift in the state following the Assembly election results and post-poll alliance talks. Leaders, supporters, and film personalities witnessed the ceremony as a new government takes charge in Tamil Nadu.


Tamil Nadu: TVK Chief Vijay Takes Oath As New Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

Chennai is all set for TVK chief Vijay’s swearing-in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister following a historic election outcome. The city has been decorated and security tightened ahead of the grand oath ceremony, marking a major political milestone. The event comes after intense post-poll negotiations and alliance-building that paved the way for government formation in the state.


Tamil Nadu Elections: Chennai Decked Up for Vijay's Oath Ceremony

Vijay's numbers nightmare appears to have ended as Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has extended its unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the first coalition government in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, 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.


Tamil Nadu CM Vijay To Take Oath; Outgoing CM MK Stalin Congratulates Vijay & His Party

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vijay Meets Governor, Stakes Claim To Form Government

Tamil Nadu politics is heating up as TVK claims it has secured a majority to form the government in the state following the latest electoral developments. The announcement has triggered sharp political reactions, with rival parties questioning the claim while supporters celebrate what they call a historic mandate.

Tamil Nadu Elections: TVK Claims to Secure Majority to Form Govt in Tamil Nadu 

By Friday night, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) Vijay looked closer than ever to pulling off what would have seemed impossible just months ago: transforming a first-ever electoral outing into the Chief Minister’s chair. His swearing-in ceremony was set to happen on Saturday (May 9) morning. However, reports suggest that the much-awaited ceremony may be facing an unforeseeable delay due to pending formal support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).<h2>What happened?</h2>According to an India Today report, Vijay, whose Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, met Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Friday evening and submitted signatures from 116 MLAs. The number still stands two short of the magic number, the 118-seat majority mark required in the 234-member Assembly.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-political-crisis-tvk-threatens-mass-resignation-as-governor-blocks-thalapathy-vijay-from-forming-government-1778207098450">Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government</a><h2>IUML pulls back support</h2>Earlier in the day, Vijay appeared set to take oath on Saturday morning after reports suggested that both VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) would back TVK, potentially taking the alliance to 120 seats. “Both members of the Indian Union Muslim League in the Assembly will support all actions taken by the Honourable Governor to form the government,” the party said.&nbsp;However, the political situation shifted after IUML denied extending support to Vijay and reiterated that it would remain aligned with the DMK.Citing Raj Bhavan sources, the outlet reports that the Governor is still awaiting a formal letter of support from VCK before making any announcement on government formation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-calls-for-statewide-protest-as-vijay-s-tvk-scrambles-for-the-final-five-to-form-government-in-tamil-nadu-1778210910198">Congress calls for statewide protest as Vijay’s TVK scrambles for the 'final five' to form government in Tamil Nadu</a><h2>Tamil Nadu government formation hangs by a thread: What happened to VCK's support?</h2>VCK indicated that the party’s support letter is likely to be submitted on Saturday morning after its MLAs return to Chennai. "TVK has informed us that the support should be in a specific format. We had earlier obtained the signatures of the MLAs in a different format. The MLAs are returning to Chennai tonight," a senior VCK leader told TOI.&nbsp;TVK has already secured support from Congress's five MLAs, along with two legislators each from CPI and CPI(M), with the Left parties submitting letters of support on Friday.Reports also suggested that last-minute negotiations are responsible for the delay, with VCK reportedly seeking the Deputy Chief Minister post for party chief Thol Thirumavalavan, while TVK is understood to have offered the Urban Affairs portfolio.The delay follows Vijay’s third visit to the Governor in three days. Arlekar had earlier declined to invite him to form the government due to insufficient numbers.<h2>AMMK extends backing to AIADMK</h2>In a parallel development, AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran also met the Governor and extended support from his party’s lone MLA to AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami.Sources at Lok Bhavan told India Today TV that Arlekar is still awaiting a formal letter of support from the VCK, even as Vijay met him on Friday evening and submitted signatures from 116 MLAs, two short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly. &nbsp;

Vijay’s path to power, as per reports, is facing another delay. While TVK is within touching distance of the majority, a last-minute wobble, with multiple issues delaying what was set to be a historic swearing-in. Scroll down.

By Friday night, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) Vijay looked closer than ever to pulling off what would have seemed impossible just months ago: transforming a first-ever electoral outing into the Chief Minister’s chair. His swearing-in ceremony was set to happen on Saturday (May 9) morning. However, reports suggest that the much-awaited ceremony may be facing an unforeseeable delay due to pending formal support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). What happened? According to an India Today report, Vijay, whose Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, met Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Friday evening and submitted signatures from 116 MLAs. The number still stands two short of the magic number, the 118-seat majority mark required in the 234-member Assembly. Also read | Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government IUML pulls back support Earlier in the day, Vijay appeared set to take oath on Saturday morning after reports suggested that both VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) would back TVK, potentially taking the alliance to 120 seats. “Both members of the Indian Union Muslim League in the Assembly will support all actions taken by the Honourable Governor to form the government,” the party said. However, the political situation shifted after IUML denied extending support to Vijay and reiterated that it would remain aligned with the DMK. Citing Raj Bhavan sources, the outlet reports that the Governor is still awaiting a formal letter of support from VCK before making any announcement on government formation. Also read | Congress calls for statewide protest as Vijay’s TVK scrambles for the 'final five' to form government in Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu government formation hangs by a thread: What happened to VCK's support? VCK indicated that the party’s support letter is likely to be submitted on Saturday morning after its MLAs return to Chennai. "TVK has informed us that the support should be in a specific format. We had earlier obtained the signatures of the MLAs in a different format. The MLAs are returning to Chennai tonight," a senior VCK leader told TOI. TVK has already secured support from Congress's five MLAs, along with two legislators each from CPI and CPI(M), with the Left parties submitting letters of support on Friday. Reports also suggested that last-minute negotiations are responsible for the delay, with VCK reportedly seeking the Deputy Chief Minister post for party chief Thol Thirumavalavan, while TVK is understood to have offered the Urban Affairs portfolio. The delay follows Vijay’s third visit to the Governor in three days. Arlekar had earlier declined to invite him to form the government due to insufficient numbers. AMMK extends backing to AIADMK In a parallel development, AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran also met the Governor and extended support from his party’s lone MLA to AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami. Sources at Lok Bhavan told India Today TV that Arlekar is still awaiting a formal letter of support from the VCK, even as Vijay met him on Friday evening and submitted signatures from 116 MLAs, two short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

Vijay’s path to power, as per reports, is facing another delay. While TVK is within touching distance of the majority, a last-minute wobble, with multiple issues delaying what was set to be a historic swearing-in. Scroll down.

Tamil Nadu political crisis: Vijay's swearing-in ceremony delayed again? All we know

After days of speculation following the May 4 results, actor-turned-politician Vijay now appears set to cross the majority mark in the fractured Tamil Nadu Assembly. Backed by Congress, VCK, CPI and CPI(M), his position has strengthened amid political uncertainty and a reported standoff with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.


Tamil Nadu Elections: Vijay's TVK Crosses 118-Mark Majority to Form Government 

Tamil Nadu’s post-election drama has intensified after Governor Rajendra Arlekar rejected Vijay’s TVK claim to form the government, stating the party lacks the numbers required for a majority. The move has triggered sharp political reactions, especially after actor Prakash Raj publicly criticised the Governor’s delay and insisted Vijay should be invited to form the government and prove majority on the Assembly floor.

With Congress extending support to TVK and CPI invoking constitutional principles and the SR Bommai judgement, Tamil Nadu now faces a major political and constitutional showdown following the hung Assembly verdict.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Will DMK Or AIADMK Join Hands, Or Either Of Them Support TVK? 

Tamil Nadu’s political deadlock is deepening by the hour, and what began as Vijay’s blockbuster electoral debut is now turning into a full-scale power struggle over who gets to govern and who gets to decide. With Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, Vijay shattered the state’s long-standing DMK-AIADMK dominance. But victory at the ballot box has not yet translated into power at Fort St. George. The reason is simple: numbers. In the 234-member Assembly, 118 is the majority mark, and even with Congress’s five seats now firmly backing TVK, the alliance stands at 113, still five short. That gap has triggered an aggressive post-poll scramble.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-political-crisis-tvk-threatens-mass-resignation-as-governor-blocks-thalapathy-vijay-from-forming-government-1778207098450">Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government</a><h2>Congress calls for statewide protest</h2>Congress has now escalated matters beyond statements, calling statewide protests against both the Governor and the BJP-led Centre for refusing to invite Vijay's TVK to form the government in Tamil Nadu.Meanwhile, the fallout has ripped apart old alliances. Congress's decision to side with TVK has enraged the DMK, which has openly branded its longtime ally a "backstabber". DMK Legislature Party passed a resolution during its meeting, condemning Congress's decision. Pulling no punches, the DMK has characterised Congress's move to support TVK as a "sudden political shift" and a "betrayal."<h2>IUML reveals TVK approached them for an alliance</h2>The latest twist came from Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) president KM Kader Mohideen, who revealed that TVK has approached IUML for support. The party, which won two seats and remains aligned with the DMK-led bloc, has not committed, with Mohideen making it clear that any decision will ultimately depend on outgoing Chief Minister MK Stalin. "TVK people came to us. We have not decided on this matter. The decision should be made by Stalin. Whatever he decides, it is acceptable to us. We are asking him to make a decision and then announce to us," he told ANI.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thalapathy-vijay-mgr-rajnikanth-and-more-south-indian-superstars-who-turned-fan-power-into-political-parties-tvk-aiadmk-tamil-nadu-election-mgr-ntr-1778133323852">Vijay, MGR, Rajnikanth and more: South Indian superstars who turned fan power into political parties</a><h2>Who is TVK seeking an alliance with?</h2>TVK already has the "conditional" backing of Congress, which won five seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. With Congress's support, the TVK is now short of only five seats to reach the desired majority to form a government.At the same time, TVK, according to reports, is widening its outreach. Its leaders have already held talks with CPI, while VCK and Left parties are now weighing internal decisions that could become crucial. Vijay’s camp is effectively trying to build a coalition brick by brick, seeking enough support to force either an invitation to govern or a floor test.<h2>TN Governor demands a clear majority</h2>Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's refusal so far to immediately invite Vijay to form the government has only intensified the crisis. Instead, the Governor has asked Vijay to prove he has the numbers, a move Congress and TVK supporters are calling an unconstitutional delay.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu’s post-poll drama is now a full-blown numbers war. Vijay’s TVK may have broken the old order, but without the magic 118, the battle has shifted from ballots to backroom deals. Congress has taken to the streets, calling for a statewide protest as the political crisis deepens.

Tamil Nadu’s political deadlock is deepening by the hour, and what began as Vijay’s blockbuster electoral debut is now turning into a full-scale power struggle over who gets to govern and who gets to decide. With Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, Vijay shattered the state’s long-standing DMK-AIADMK dominance. But victory at the ballot box has not yet translated into power at Fort St. George. The reason is simple: numbers. In the 234-member Assembly, 118 is the majority mark, and even with Congress’s five seats now firmly backing TVK, the alliance stands at 113, still five short. That gap has triggered an aggressive post-poll scramble. Also read | Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government Congress calls for statewide protest Congress has now escalated matters beyond statements, calling statewide protests against both the Governor and the BJP-led Centre for refusing to invite Vijay's TVK to form the government in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, the fallout has ripped apart old alliances. Congress's decision to side with TVK has enraged the DMK, which has openly branded its longtime ally a "backstabber". DMK Legislature Party passed a resolution during its meeting, condemning Congress's decision. Pulling no punches, the DMK has characterised Congress's move to support TVK as a "sudden political shift" and a "betrayal." IUML reveals TVK approached them for an alliance The latest twist came from Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) president KM Kader Mohideen, who revealed that TVK has approached IUML for support. The party, which won two seats and remains aligned with the DMK-led bloc, has not committed, with Mohideen making it clear that any decision will ultimately depend on outgoing Chief Minister MK Stalin. "TVK people came to us. We have not decided on this matter. The decision should be made by Stalin. Whatever he decides, it is acceptable to us. We are asking him to make a decision and then announce to us," he told ANI. Also read | Vijay, MGR, Rajnikanth and more: South Indian superstars who turned fan power into political parties Who is TVK seeking an alliance with? TVK already has the "conditional" backing of Congress, which won five seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. With Congress's support, the TVK is now short of only five seats to reach the desired majority to form a government. At the same time, TVK, according to reports, is widening its outreach. Its leaders have already held talks with CPI, while VCK and Left parties are now weighing internal decisions that could become crucial. Vijay’s camp is effectively trying to build a coalition brick by brick, seeking enough support to force either an invitation to govern or a floor test. TN Governor demands a clear majority Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's refusal so far to immediately invite Vijay to form the government has only intensified the crisis. Instead, the Governor has asked Vijay to prove he has the numbers, a move Congress and TVK supporters are calling an unconstitutional delay.

Tamil Nadu’s post-poll drama is now a full-blown numbers war. Vijay’s TVK may have broken the old order, but without the magic 118, the battle has shifted from ballots to backroom deals. Congress has taken to the streets, calling for a statewide protest as the political crisis deepens.

Congress calls for statewide protest as Vijay’s TVK scrambles for the 'final five' to form government in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is in the grip of a full-blown constitutional crisis after the Governor refused to invite actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form a government despite it winning 108 seats and emerging as the single-largest party. This comes as rival parties huddle behind closed doors to explore alternatives that would effectively deny TVK the power it believes the public mandate has conferred on it. The TVK has responded with a stark threat: if either the DMK or AIADMK attempts to stake claim to the government, every TVK MLA, all 108 of them will resign. The warning came after reports confirmed that top DMK figures are actively considering a scenario in which AIADMK chief E Palaniswami becomes Chief Minister with DMK's outside support, an arrangement that would unite two parties that have spent decades as bitter rivals, and that would shut out the party that received the most votes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-the-first-time-chandranath-rath-is-not-the-only-suvendu-adhikari-aide-to-die-under-mysterious-circumstances-all-details-here-pradip-jha-1778139182978">Not the first time? Before Chandranath Rath, three other Suvendu Adhikari aides died under mysterious circumstances | All details here</a><h2>Governor denies TVK chance to form government without proven majority</h2>Governor RV Arlekar met Vijay for the second time in two days on Thursday (May 7), and again declined to allow him to proceed. The Governor's position is that TVK has not demonstrated it commands a majority, and he has insisted Vijay produce letters of support from 118 legislators, the threshold required to form government, before any swearing-in ceremony is arranged. TVK currently has 108 seats, plus five more with Congress's five MLAs already in its corner and negotiations underway with Left parties and smaller outfits for the remaining numbers. The party is now reportedly considering approaching the courts."The requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, essential for forming the Government, has not been established," Raj Bhavan said in a communique.<h2>'Inappropriate'</h2>Constitutional experts and TVK's allies have pushed back hard on the Governor's stance. The CPI called it "inappropriate," citing the Supreme Court's landmark SR Bommai judgment, which established that the floor of the assembly, not the Governor's office, is the proper place to test a majority.Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan was pointed in his criticism. "The Governor cannot demand a list of people supporting TVK. He cannot say, 'Who is supporting you? Bring 118 and prove it to me, then come for the swearing-in ceremony.'" The outgoing DMK called the Governor's decision "unacceptable" and "a disrespect" to the mandate. Actor Kamal Haasan also voiced public support for Vijay.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thalapathy-vijay-mgr-rajnikanth-and-more-south-indian-superstars-who-turned-fan-power-into-political-parties-tvk-aiadmk-tamil-nadu-election-mgr-ntr-1778133323852">Thalapathy Vijay, MGR, Rajnikanth and more: South Indian superstars who turned fan power into political parties</a><h2>What are DMK and AIDMK up to?</h2>Within the DMK, however, the picture is more complicated. The party passed four resolutions Thursday, including one authorising chief MK Stalin to take "emergency decisions," and asked all its MLAs to remain in Chennai until May 10. Top party sources confirmed to NDTV that a Palaniswami-led government with DMK support is being actively discussed, driven in part by fears among younger party leaders, particularly those aligned with Udhayanidhi Stalin, that if Vijay takes power, he could dominate Tamil Nadu politics for a generation the way MGR did, keeping the DMK out of power for as long as he remained active. Older DMK leaders, including Stalin himself, are said to be less convinced, worried about the public backlash of such an unlikely alliance.The AIADMK, for its part, has told its 45-plus MLAs to wait and observe. While a section within the party is open to aligning with TVK, senior leadership has firmly ruled it out. Palaniswami told his MLAs Thursday there is no relation between TVK and AIADMK and no question of poaching at this point, asking them to remain calm for at least two more days.The coming 48 hours are likely to be decisive. TVK is racing to assemble the numbers it needs to satisfy the Governor. Its opponents are racing to find an arrangement that prevents that from happening. And somewhere in the middle, Tamil Nadu's electorate is waiting to find out whether the verdict it delivered at the polls will actually determine who governs the state.

Tamil Nadu is staring at a constitutional showdown. Despite emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, Vijay’s TVK is still being kept from power, and now rival camps may unite in an extraordinary bid to block him. TVK’s warning: deny the mandate, and all 108 MLAs resign.

Tamil Nadu is in the grip of a full-blown constitutional crisis after the Governor refused to invite actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form a government despite it winning 108 seats and emerging as the single-largest party. This comes as rival parties huddle behind closed doors to explore alternatives that would effectively deny TVK the power it believes the public mandate has conferred on it. The TVK has responded with a stark threat: if either the DMK or AIADMK attempts to stake claim to the government, every TVK MLA, all 108 of them will resign. The warning came after reports confirmed that top DMK figures are actively considering a scenario in which AIADMK chief E Palaniswami becomes Chief Minister with DMK's outside support, an arrangement that would unite two parties that have spent decades as bitter rivals, and that would shut out the party that received the most votes. Also read | Not the first time? Before Chandranath Rath, three other Suvendu Adhikari aides died under mysterious circumstances | All details here Governor denies TVK chance to form government without proven majority Governor RV Arlekar met Vijay for the second time in two days on Thursday (May 7), and again declined to allow him to proceed. The Governor's position is that TVK has not demonstrated it commands a majority, and he has insisted Vijay produce letters of support from 118 legislators, the threshold required to form government, before any swearing-in ceremony is arranged. TVK currently has 108 seats, plus five more with Congress's five MLAs already in its corner and negotiations underway with Left parties and smaller outfits for the remaining numbers. The party is now reportedly considering approaching the courts. "The requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, essential for forming the Government, has not been established," Raj Bhavan said in a communique. 'Inappropriate' Constitutional experts and TVK's allies have pushed back hard on the Governor's stance. The CPI called it "inappropriate," citing the Supreme Court's landmark SR Bommai judgment, which established that the floor of the assembly, not the Governor's office, is the proper place to test a majority. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan was pointed in his criticism. "The Governor cannot demand a list of people supporting TVK. He cannot say, 'Who is supporting you? Bring 118 and prove it to me, then come for the swearing-in ceremony.'" The outgoing DMK called the Governor's decision "unacceptable" and "a disrespect" to the mandate. Actor Kamal Haasan also voiced public support for Vijay. Also read | Thalapathy Vijay, MGR, Rajnikanth and more: South Indian superstars who turned fan power into political parties What are DMK and AIDMK up to? Within the DMK, however, the picture is more complicated. The party passed four resolutions Thursday, including one authorising chief MK Stalin to take "emergency decisions," and asked all its MLAs to remain in Chennai until May 10. Top party sources confirmed to NDTV that a Palaniswami-led government with DMK support is being actively discussed, driven in part by fears among younger party leaders, particularly those aligned with Udhayanidhi Stalin, that if Vijay takes power, he could dominate Tamil Nadu politics for a generation the way MGR did, keeping the DMK out of power for as long as he remained active. Older DMK leaders, including Stalin himself, are said to be less convinced, worried about the public backlash of such an unlikely alliance. The AIADMK, for its part, has told its 45-plus MLAs to wait and observe. While a section within the party is open to aligning with TVK, senior leadership has firmly ruled it out. Palaniswami told his MLAs Thursday there is no relation between TVK and AIADMK and no question of poaching at this point, asking them to remain calm for at least two more days. The coming 48 hours are likely to be decisive. TVK is racing to assemble the numbers it needs to satisfy the Governor. Its opponents are racing to find an arrangement that prevents that from happening. And somewhere in the middle, Tamil Nadu's electorate is waiting to find out whether the verdict it delivered at the polls will actually determine who governs the state.

Tamil Nadu is staring at a constitutional showdown. Despite emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, Vijay’s TVK is still being kept from power, and now rival camps may unite in an extraordinary bid to block him. TVK’s warning: deny the mandate, and all 108 MLAs resign.

Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government

Political uncertainty has intensified in Tamil Nadu as the Governor has reportedly asked actor-turned-politician Vijay to prove his majority before being invited to form the government. The development comes amid a closely contested election outcome, with alliance dynamics and post-poll support now under scrutiny. The decision has triggered strong political reactions across parties as discussions over government formation continue in the state.


Tamil Nadu Elections: TN Governor Asks Vijay to Prove His Majority to Form Government

Tamil Nadu’s post-election drama has intensified after Governor Rajendra Arlekar rejected Vijay’s TVK claim to form the government, stating the party lacks the numbers required for a majority.

The move has triggered sharp political reactions, especially after actor Prakash Raj publicly criticised the Governor’s delay and insisted Vijay should be invited to form the government and prove majority on the Assembly floor.

With Congress extending support to TVK and CPI invoking constitutional principles and the SR Bommai judgement, Tamil Nadu now faces a major political and constitutional showdown following the hung Assembly verdict.


Tamil Nadu Elections: What Are Vijay's Options For Power? 

Tamil Nadu’s political drama has intensified after Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) failed to cross the majority mark despite emerging as the single largest party. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has reportedly rejected TVK’s government formation claim twice, asking the party to provide proof of support and explain how it plans to secure a majority on the Assembly floor. With Congress backing TVK and smaller parties still undecided, the state now faces intense negotiations, resort politics, and the possibility of a legal battle in the Madras High Court.


Tamil Nadu Elections: TN Governor Asks Vijay To Prove His Majority To Form Government 

Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has stunned Tamil Nadu politics with a remarkable debut performance, triggering intense speculation over the actor’s possible rise as the state’s next Chief Minister. As supporters celebrate TVK’s rapid emergence as a major political force, a scene from Vijay’s film The Greatest of All Time has gone viral online, with fans calling it a “visionary moment” that seemingly predicted his political future. The election outcome has transformed Vijay from a cinema icon into one of the biggest political talking points in India today.


Tamil Nadu Elections: Vijay’s TVK Shocks Tamil Nadu As CM Buzz Explodes After Debut Win

In South India, cinema and politics have often shared the same stage. From MGR to Vijay, several superstars didn’t just dominate the box office; they built political movements. As Thalapathy Vijay’s TVK storms Tamil Nadu, here are cinema icons who turned fans into vote banks. Scroll down.

Vijay, MGR, Rajnikanth and more: South Indian superstars who turned fan power into political parties

In a key political development in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK has stated that there is no possibility of extending support to TVK in government formation talks. The announcement adds clarity to the evolving political landscape in the state ahead of future electoral and alliance strategies. Parties continue to position themselves as Tamil Nadu’s political equations remain dynamic.


Tamil Nadu Govt Formation: AIADMK Says No Chance of Supporting TVK

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will attend TVK chief Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony, Congress leader Praveen Chakravarthy says after meeting the TVK chief. Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly with 108 seats, falling 10 short of the majority mark. In a major political shift, the Congress has extended full support to TVK for forming the new government in the state, effectively breaking its long-standing alliance with the DMK in Tamil Nadu. The party said the alliance with TVK is not limited to government formation but will also extend to future elections, including local body polls, as well as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.


Tamil Nadu Elections: TVK Chief Stakes Claim to Form New Govt

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vijay Meets Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Chennai

Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay is set to become Tamil Nadu's next CM after his party TVK reached close to the halfway mark in the Assembly polls. However, his journey was not at all smooth and deftly handled political, professional as well as personal challenges.


'Thalapathy' Vijay Set To Be Tamil Nadu CM After Overcoming Various Challenges 

Actor-turned-politician Vijay has delivered a major political upset in Tamil Nadu, with his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerging as the largest force in the Assembly elections. The surge has come largely at the expense of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, reshaping the state’s political dynamics. The results mark a dramatic shift, signaling voter appetite for change and a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics.


Tamil Nadu Results: Vijay's TVK Secures Victory In Debut Assembly Election

Every election season, lines blur between cinema and politics in India. A trend that began in South India has now permeated other parts of the country, where political parties field cinema artists as candidates for the upcoming elections.&nbsp; The Assembly Elections 2026 will be remembered as the year when Joseph Vjay Chandrasekhar became the star of Tamil Nadu politics. For decades, Vijay - ‘Ilaya Thalapathy’ or ‘Thalapathy’ to his fans- has enjoyed stardom and adulation thanks to his blockbuster films. And now, Vijay will begin a new chapter in his career and join the likes of MG Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa as he and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerge as strong winners of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.&nbsp;The film star has never been devoid of attention and adulation. For over three decades, Vijay has been part of the Tamil film industry and has given several blockbuster hits. Fans have witnessed his evolution from a box office superstar to an actor speaking of social change through his films and his foray into politics with the launch of TVK. The past six months have been particularly difficult for the actor, first with his last film Jana Nayagan facing certification roadblocks and a release delay and then news of divorce and alleged affair with actress Trisha Krishnan dominating headlines more than his portfolio and election campaign. But he remained undeterred throughout his political campaign, making him first a strong contender and then a winner in the 2026 Assembly Elections.&nbsp;Also reads: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tamil-nadu-assembly-election-results-trisha-visits-vijay-s-residence-as-tvk-dominates-trends-watch-1777884141480">TN Assembly election: Trisha visits Vijay's residence as TVK dominates trends</a><h2>Early Beginnings</h2>&nbsp;Born to filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar and his singer wife Shoba Chandrasekhar, Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar grew up in a multi-religion household. His father is a Christian and his mother a Hindu. His early years at Chennai’s Loyola College, studying visual communication, helped pave the way for him in cinema. The actor reportedly dropped out of college to pursue acting and made his debut in 1992.&nbsp;Vijay was always familiar with cinema thanks to his filmmaker father and featured in several films as a child actor in his father’s films before making his debut as a lead hero in&nbsp; Naalaiya Theerpu. Vijay was 18 when he was cast as the leading man in the film, which failed at the box office. The debutant received severe criticism for his looks and performance.&nbsp;SAC decided then to cast him alongside an established hero, and his frequent collaborator Vijayakanth, in Senthoorapandi (1993). The film was a hit, helping Vijay get popular among the masses.&nbsp;Over the next three decades, Vijay’s popularity gained manifold as he appeared in nearly 70 films, charting a carefully calibrated career. He first played the romantic hero in the late 1990s, then transitioned from acting as an angry young man in the 2000s to a carefully-honed image as saviour and vigilante in films post 2012.&nbsp;Since then, it was a distinct shift as he started doing issue- based films like Mersal, Sarkar, Kaththi and addressed issues like GST, farmer rights, and corporate greed. The success of these films soft-launched his socialist political ideology.&nbsp;In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tamil-nadu-assembly-elections-a-look-at-tvk-leader-vijay-s-33-year-journey-in-cinema-1777875517164">A look at TVK leader Vijay’s 33-year journey in cinema</a><h2>Philanthropy and activism</h2>&nbsp;Vijay’s transition from a popular commercial hero to a man who spoke through his films was gradual but had its origins in his early years. His father, S Chandrasekhar, was always known to be left-leaning and a socialist.&nbsp;Vijay’s fan club, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI), founded in 2009 also helped cement his role as a philanthropist and a social do-gooder. In films, he picked uncorrupted, honest, saviour and vigilante roles, creating an image of the actor on screen, while his social work via his fan clubs, which provided free tuition centres, blood donation drives, "Thalapathy" clinics, built deep loyalty in rural Tamil Nadu and did the groundwork for his political debut.&nbsp;VMI’s success in the 2021 local body elections, where they won over 100 seats without a formal party structure, only cemented Vjay’s foray into politics.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tamil-nadu-election-results-tvk-leader-vijay-s-net-worth-inside-the-lavish-life-of-jana-nayagan-star-1777870431673">Tamil Nadu Election Results: TVK leader Vijay's net worth; inside the lavish life of Jana Nayagan star</a><h2>The Political Debut: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)</h2>&nbsp;After 2021, most were convinced that Vijay would launch his career in politics. The question was which party he would be a part of. His characters have often questioned authority and the state, so most were curious to see which party he would endorse.&nbsp;In February, he sprung a surprise on many as he launched his own party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with the ideology "Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkkum" (All are equal by birth).&nbsp;Earlier in 2026, Vjay began his political campaigning on broad themes of anti-corruption, social justice, Tamil pride and resistance to what he calls authoritarianism by the federal government. The party also called for transparency in government exams and announced financial aid for graduates and women if they came to power.&nbsp;<h2>Jana Nayagan controversy, divorce and affair allegations</h2>&nbsp;While Vijay’s political rally saw huge footfall in almost all venues, he faced personal setbacks that many, at that time, felt would derail his political career right in the beginning. First, his last film, Jana Nayagan, faced multiple release delays over certification and charges of plagiarism and eventually was leaked online.&nbsp;The film, many felt, mirrored TVK’s political ideology, thus making it a long, drawn feature film lenghth political campaign. Considering Vijay’s film release creates a huge cultural impact each time it hits the theatres, TVK’s opponents raised objections to the timing of the film’s release.&nbsp;Then, in February, Sangeetha Sornalingam filed for a divorce from the actor. The pair had been married for over 25 years. In her petition, Sangeetha alleged that actor was having an affair with an actress.&nbsp;Days later, Vijay made his first public appearance with actress Trisha at a wedding in Chennai. Speculation about their alleged affair had been doing the rounds for years. However, it was only after the two made a public appearance together that it was sort of confirmed that they were in a relationship.&nbsp;<h2>TVK’s win and the future of Tamil Nadu politics</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Amid personal crisis and controversy around a marriage affair, many felt Vijay’s political career would not take off. However, on May 4, Vijay managed the unthinkable as TVK emerged as a clear winner in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, winning or leading in over 100 seats and emerging as the single largest party. While they have not crossed the 118-seat mark and may opt for an alliance with Congress, Vijay’s win marks a significant moment in Tamil Nadu political history.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thalapathy-vs-ilaya-thalapathy-mk-stalin-proves-to-be-no-stallion-as-upstart-vijay-wins-tamil-nadu-on-debut-race-of-tvk-assembly-election-analysis-1777893828716">Thalapathy vs Ilaya Thalapathy: MK Stalin proves to be no stallion as upstart Vijay wins Tamil Nadu on debut race of TVK</a>&nbsp;He is also the first actor to witness a strong majority at the assembly elections since Jayalalitha and MGR. Actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan failed to convert fandom to electoral gains in the past. Despite controversies knocking at his doorstep months before the state went to vote, Vijay’s strong fan base remains undeterred, paving the actor’s way to the legislative assembly.&nbsp;While it is not clear yet if Vijay will take up the Chief Minister’s post, he has big shoes to fill. Whether he will be able to replicate the political success of MG Ramachandran (MGR) once in office is something only time will tell.

If one looks closely, Vijay's exhaustive filmography has served as the groundwork for his political career. Vijay's win is being seen as a historic moment in Tamil Nadu politics with many comparing him to MGR. 

Every election season, lines blur between cinema and politics in India. A trend that began in South India has now permeated other parts of the country, where political parties field cinema artists as candidates for the upcoming elections. The Assembly Elections 2026 will be remembered as the year when Joseph Vjay Chandrasekhar became the star of Tamil Nadu politics. For decades, Vijay - ‘Ilaya Thalapathy’ or ‘Thalapathy’ to his fans- has enjoyed stardom and adulation thanks to his blockbuster films. And now, Vijay will begin a new chapter in his career and join the likes of MG Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa as he and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerge as strong winners of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026. The film star has never been devoid of attention and adulation. For over three decades, Vijay has been part of the Tamil film industry and has given several blockbuster hits. Fans have witnessed his evolution from a box office superstar to an actor speaking of social change through his films and his foray into politics with the launch of TVK. The past six months have been particularly difficult for the actor, first with his last film Jana Nayagan facing certification roadblocks and a release delay and then news of divorce and alleged affair with actress Trisha Krishnan dominating headlines more than his portfolio and election campaign. But he remained undeterred throughout his political campaign, making him first a strong contender and then a winner in the 2026 Assembly Elections. Also reads: TN Assembly election: Trisha visits Vijay's residence as TVK dominates trends Early Beginnings Born to filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar and his singer wife Shoba Chandrasekhar, Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar grew up in a multi-religion household. His father is a Christian and his mother a Hindu. His early years at Chennai’s Loyola College, studying visual communication, helped pave the way for him in cinema. The actor reportedly dropped out of college to pursue acting and made his debut in 1992. Vijay was always familiar with cinema thanks to his filmmaker father and featured in several films as a child actor in his father’s films before making his debut as a lead hero in Naalaiya Theerpu. Vijay was 18 when he was cast as the leading man in the film, which failed at the box office. The debutant received severe criticism for his looks and performance. SAC decided then to cast him alongside an established hero, and his frequent collaborator Vijayakanth, in Senthoorapandi (1993). The film was a hit, helping Vijay get popular among the masses. Over the next three decades, Vijay’s popularity gained manifold as he appeared in nearly 70 films, charting a carefully calibrated career. He first played the romantic hero in the late 1990s, then transitioned from acting as an angry young man in the 2000s to a carefully-honed image as saviour and vigilante in films post 2012. Since then, it was a distinct shift as he started doing issue- based films like Mersal, Sarkar, Kaththi and addressed issues like GST, farmer rights, and corporate greed. The success of these films soft-launched his socialist political ideology. In pics: A look at TVK leader Vijay’s 33-year journey in cinema Philanthropy and activism Vijay’s transition from a popular commercial hero to a man who spoke through his films was gradual but had its origins in his early years. His father, S Chandrasekhar, was always known to be left-leaning and a socialist. Vijay’s fan club, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI), founded in 2009 also helped cement his role as a philanthropist and a social do-gooder. In films, he picked uncorrupted, honest, saviour and vigilante roles, creating an image of the actor on screen, while his social work via his fan clubs, which provided free tuition centres, blood donation drives, "Thalapathy" clinics, built deep loyalty in rural Tamil Nadu and did the groundwork for his political debut. VMI’s success in the 2021 local body elections, where they won over 100 seats without a formal party structure, only cemented Vjay’s foray into politics. Also read: Tamil Nadu Election Results: TVK leader Vijay's net worth; inside the lavish life of Jana Nayagan star The Political Debut: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) After 2021, most were convinced that Vijay would launch his career in politics. The question was which party he would be a part of. His characters have often questioned authority and the state, so most were curious to see which party he would endorse. In February, he sprung a surprise on many as he launched his own party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with the ideology "Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkkum" (All are equal by birth). Earlier in 2026, Vjay began his political campaigning on broad themes of anti-corruption, social justice, Tamil pride and resistance to what he calls authoritarianism by the federal government. The party also called for transparency in government exams and announced financial aid for graduates and women if they came to power. Jana Nayagan controversy, divorce and affair allegations While Vijay’s political rally saw huge footfall in almost all venues, he faced personal setbacks that many, at that time, felt would derail his political career right in the beginning. First, his last film, Jana Nayagan, faced multiple release delays over certification and charges of plagiarism and eventually was leaked online. The film, many felt, mirrored TVK’s political ideology, thus making it a long, drawn feature film lenghth political campaign. Considering Vijay’s film release creates a huge cultural impact each time it hits the theatres, TVK’s opponents raised objections to the timing of the film’s release. Then, in February, Sangeetha Sornalingam filed for a divorce from the actor. The pair had been married for over 25 years. In her petition, Sangeetha alleged that actor was having an affair with an actress. Days later, Vijay made his first public appearance with actress Trisha at a wedding in Chennai. Speculation about their alleged affair had been doing the rounds for years. However, it was only after the two made a public appearance together that it was sort of confirmed that they were in a relationship. TVK’s win and the future of Tamil Nadu politics Amid personal crisis and controversy around a marriage affair, many felt Vijay’s political career would not take off. However, on May 4, Vijay managed the unthinkable as TVK emerged as a clear winner in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, winning or leading in over 100 seats and emerging as the single largest party. While they have not crossed the 118-seat mark and may opt for an alliance with Congress, Vijay’s win marks a significant moment in Tamil Nadu political history. Also read: Thalapathy vs Ilaya Thalapathy: MK Stalin proves to be no stallion as upstart Vijay wins Tamil Nadu on debut race of TVK He is also the first actor to witness a strong majority at the assembly elections since Jayalalitha and MGR. Actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan failed to convert fandom to electoral gains in the past. Despite controversies knocking at his doorstep months before the state went to vote, Vijay’s strong fan base remains undeterred, paving the actor’s way to the legislative assembly. While it is not clear yet if Vijay will take up the Chief Minister’s post, he has big shoes to fill. Whether he will be able to replicate the political success of MG Ramachandran (MGR) once in office is something only time will tell.

If one looks closely, Vijay's exhaustive filmography has served as the groundwork for his political career. Vijay's win is being seen as a historic moment in Tamil Nadu politics with many comparing him to MGR.&nbsp;

How Vijay scripted history at Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Films, activism, controversies

In Tamil Nadu political circles, Chief Minister and DMK supremo MK Stalin is called Thalapathy, or commander/leader. In a strange coincidence, his electoral nemesis Vijay was called 'Ilaya Thalapathy' or "Young Commander" since his stardom years in Tamil cinema. The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections of 2026 were about the clash of these two Thalapathys. Vijay, full name Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, transitioned to politics from cinema in the southern state known for several such metamorphoses. His fledgling party, TVK, appears to have done the impossible: channelling all the anger and frustrations about Stalin and DMK, and the mass adoration for Vijay, into votes. Tamil Nadu is witnessing yet another crossover from movies to politics: practically all of its chief ministers had a past in tinseltown. Here is how the dynast lost to the upstart, in a race between a stallion and a debutant.<h2>The dynasty falls in front of the upstart: Why did Stalin lose Tamil Nadu election 2026?</h2>In the past few years, Stalin has been projecting himself not only as a Tamil Nadu politician, but also as a national counterweight to BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But clearly, he does not seem to have the love of the Tamil voter any more. Stalin grew in politics under the shadow of his giant of a father, M Karunanidhi, the key proponent of Dravidian politics in the state, which came to power, among other things, through a fight against the imposition of the national language Hindi.Vijay, on the other hand, launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) only in 2024. Vijay’s fans and the larger population saw TVK as a fresh alternative. In its very first electoral outing, TVK contested all 234 seats of the state independently. TVK has delivered a stunning upset, and is emerging as the single largest party as per official trends on Monday (May 4).&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-assembly-elections-2026-vijay-s-poll-debut-mirrors-kejriwal-s-2013-breakthrough-1777889787882">Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Vijay’s poll debut mirrors Kejriwal’s 2013 breakthrough</a><h2>Ending a political duopoly in Tamil Nadu</h2>The election result also marks the end of the DMK-AIADMK duopoly that ruled the state for nearly half a century.Vijay’s assets were the mass hero appeal he created with two decades of box-office hits, fan armies among youth and urban voters, a clean image, and promises of change. Even before the elections, he advocated a drug-free Tamil Nadu, youth employment, and better governance.TVK was positioned as a direct challenge to the ruling DMK, with Vijay focusing on issues that mattered most to common people. Vijay contested from high-profile seats like Perambur and Trichy East, leading in both.Going into the election, AIADMK was already in shambles over internecine fights. At the DMK meanwhile, Stalin represented the old guard of Dravidian politics and was seeking a second consecutive term. His stronghold of Kolathur became symbolic of the upset, with Stalin trailing behind TVK’s candidate VS Babu.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-election-results-vijay-s-family-celebrates-as-tvk-inches-closer-to-victory-video-1777878032912">Tamil Nadu Election Results: Vijay's family celebrates as TVK inches closer to victory - VIDEO</a><h2>MK Stalin faced strong anti-incumbency in Tamil Nadu</h2>Voter frustration was high over law and order, alleged corruption, scams, illicit liquor and drug problems, and governance lapses. The traditional opposition, AIADMK, failed to capitalise on the anti-incumbency as it was grappling with factionalism. Voters eventually swung heavily towards the energetic new option.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-awaits-poll-verdict-exit-polls-project-victory-for-m-k-stalin-1777815871888/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-awaits-poll-verdict-exit-polls-project-victory-for-m-k-stalin-1777815871888/embed</a>Vijay has fans among both Gen Z and millennials who grew up on his films. They turned out in huge numbers to vote, with the state recording record turnout, with some areas reporting more than 85 per cent voting. TVK appears to have made inroads into urban areas like Chennai as well as southern districts, and traditional bastions of both DMK and AIADMK.TVK framed it as a direct fight, avoiding alliances. And it helped. DMK on the other hand struggled with addressing perceptions of dynastic entitlement for Stalin, and voter fatigue after years of DMK in power. Vijay had a people’s hero persona reminiscent of MG Ramachandran, the founder of AIADMK. Eventually, the anti-incumbency votes consolidated behind TVK.

Vijay’s TVK mounted a stunning victory to oust incumbent chief minister MK Stalin's DMK from power in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. This is nothing short of a movie climax. How did we reach here?

In Tamil Nadu political circles, Chief Minister and DMK supremo MK Stalin is called Thalapathy, or commander/leader. In a strange coincidence, his electoral nemesis Vijay was called 'Ilaya Thalapathy' or "Young Commander" since his stardom years in Tamil cinema. The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections of 2026 were about the clash of these two Thalapathys. Vijay, full name Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, transitioned to politics from cinema in the southern state known for several such metamorphoses. His fledgling party, TVK, appears to have done the impossible: channelling all the anger and frustrations about Stalin and DMK, and the mass adoration for Vijay, into votes. Tamil Nadu is witnessing yet another crossover from movies to politics: practically all of its chief ministers had a past in tinseltown. Here is how the dynast lost to the upstart, in a race between a stallion and a debutant. The dynasty falls in front of the upstart: Why did Stalin lose Tamil Nadu election 2026? In the past few years, Stalin has been projecting himself not only as a Tamil Nadu politician, but also as a national counterweight to BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But clearly, he does not seem to have the love of the Tamil voter any more. Stalin grew in politics under the shadow of his giant of a father, M Karunanidhi, the key proponent of Dravidian politics in the state, which came to power, among other things, through a fight against the imposition of the national language Hindi. Vijay, on the other hand, launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) only in 2024. Vijay’s fans and the larger population saw TVK as a fresh alternative. In its very first electoral outing, TVK contested all 234 seats of the state independently. TVK has delivered a stunning upset, and is emerging as the single largest party as per official trends on Monday (May 4). Also read: Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Vijay’s poll debut mirrors Kejriwal’s 2013 breakthrough Ending a political duopoly in Tamil Nadu The election result also marks the end of the DMK-AIADMK duopoly that ruled the state for nearly half a century. Vijay’s assets were the mass hero appeal he created with two decades of box-office hits, fan armies among youth and urban voters, a clean image, and promises of change. Even before the elections, he advocated a drug-free Tamil Nadu, youth employment, and better governance. TVK was positioned as a direct challenge to the ruling DMK, with Vijay focusing on issues that mattered most to common people. Vijay contested from high-profile seats like Perambur and Trichy East, leading in both. Going into the election, AIADMK was already in shambles over internecine fights. At the DMK meanwhile, Stalin represented the old guard of Dravidian politics and was seeking a second consecutive term. His stronghold of Kolathur became symbolic of the upset, with Stalin trailing behind TVK’s candidate VS Babu. Also read: Tamil Nadu Election Results: Vijay's family celebrates as TVK inches closer to victory - VIDEO MK Stalin faced strong anti-incumbency in Tamil Nadu Voter frustration was high over law and order, alleged corruption, scams, illicit liquor and drug problems, and governance lapses. The traditional opposition, AIADMK, failed to capitalise on the anti-incumbency as it was grappling with factionalism. Voters eventually swung heavily towards the energetic new option. https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-awaits-poll-verdict-exit-polls-project-victory-for-m-k-stalin-1777815871888/embed Vijay has fans among both Gen Z and millennials who grew up on his films. They turned out in huge numbers to vote, with the state recording record turnout, with some areas reporting more than 85 per cent voting. TVK appears to have made inroads into urban areas like Chennai as well as southern districts, and traditional bastions of both DMK and AIADMK. TVK framed it as a direct fight, avoiding alliances. And it helped. DMK on the other hand struggled with addressing perceptions of dynastic entitlement for Stalin, and voter fatigue after years of DMK in power. Vijay had a people’s hero persona reminiscent of MG Ramachandran, the founder of AIADMK. Eventually, the anti-incumbency votes consolidated behind TVK.