Tamil Nadu’s political battle over delimitation has intensified, with the TVK-led government demanding that the number of Lok Sabha seats remain frozen at the current 543.

The resolution seeks a complete freeze on delimitation and argues that representation of southern states, including Tamil Nadu, could be significantly affected if future delimitation is based on a post-1971 census. The TVK has also called for the 33% women’s reservation to be implemented within the existing parliamentary structure.

The move has brought the TVK and DMK closer on the contentious issue, despite their wider political rivalry. While the DMK has previously demanded that delimitation be deferred, the TVK is pushing for an even stronger freeze.

The resolution has also drawn opposition from the NDA and DMK ally DMDK, with questions being raised over why Tamil Nadu is debating delimitation when the proposed bill has not yet been introduced in Parliament.

Tamil Nadu Delimitation Row Intensifies | TVK Demands 543-Seat Freeze, DMK Backs Resolution

In one of his first acts as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands. The move signals an early effort to follow through on his party's campaign promise of a drug-free Tamil Nadu. Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had prominently featured anti-liquor and public welfare commitments in its election manifesto.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-x-factor-in-tamil-nadu-political-crisis-vck-account-suspended-after-purported-post-supporting-vijay-s-tvk-1778300473752">'X' factor in Tamil Nadu political crisis: VCK account suspended after purported post supporting Vijay’s TVK</a><h2>717 TASMAC liquor shops to be closed</h2>The order, issued shortly after Thalapathy Vijay assumed office, directed the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation to survey all 4,765 of its retail liquor shops and identify those operating in proximity to sensitive locations. The survey identified 717 outlets falling within the restricted zones: 276 near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands. All 717 have been ordered shut within two weeks."With the welfare of the general public in mind, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has issued orders to close, within two weeks, 717 retail liquor shops situated within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands," an official press release stated."Taking public welfare into consideration, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has ordered the closure--within the next two weeks--of a total of 717 retail liquor shops, comprising 276 shops located near places of worship, 186 shops near educational institutions, and 255 shops near bus stands," the release added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-why-speak-in-english-pakistan-s-bizarre-meltdown-over-india-s-operation-sindoor-press-conference-goes-viral-watch-1778233667496">'Why speak in English?': Pakistan's bizarre meltdown over India's Operation Sindoor press conference goes VIRAL | WATCH</a><h2>Vijay's decision can affect TN government's revenue</h2>Notably, the move carries real fiscal weight. TASMAC liquor sales are a significant source of government revenue in Tamil Nadu, and previous administrations have resisted large-scale closures for that reason. The decision to shut nearly 15 per cent of the state's liquor retail network immediately will likely face pushback from those concerned about the revenue impact, even as it wins broad public support across party lines.TASMAC has also been under scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate, which conducted raids across Tamil Nadu last year in connection with alleged money laundering offences linked to the corporation and associated entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

In one of his first moves as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Vijay has ordered 717 TASMAC liquor shops shut near temples, schools, and bus stands. Notably, Vijay's TVK in its election manifesto had promised “drug-free Tamil Nadu”. How will it affect government revenue? Scroll down.

In one of his first acts as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands. The move signals an early effort to follow through on his party's campaign promise of a drug-free Tamil Nadu. Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had prominently featured anti-liquor and public welfare commitments in its election manifesto. Also read | 'X' factor in Tamil Nadu political crisis: VCK account suspended after purported post supporting Vijay’s TVK 717 TASMAC liquor shops to be closed The order, issued shortly after Thalapathy Vijay assumed office, directed the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation to survey all 4,765 of its retail liquor shops and identify those operating in proximity to sensitive locations. The survey identified 717 outlets falling within the restricted zones: 276 near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands. All 717 have been ordered shut within two weeks. "With the welfare of the general public in mind, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has issued orders to close, within two weeks, 717 retail liquor shops situated within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands," an official press release stated. "Taking public welfare into consideration, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has ordered the closure--within the next two weeks--of a total of 717 retail liquor shops, comprising 276 shops located near places of worship, 186 shops near educational institutions, and 255 shops near bus stands," the release added. Also read | 'Why speak in English?': Pakistan's bizarre meltdown over India's Operation Sindoor press conference goes VIRAL | WATCH Vijay's decision can affect TN government's revenue Notably, the move carries real fiscal weight. TASMAC liquor sales are a significant source of government revenue in Tamil Nadu, and previous administrations have resisted large-scale closures for that reason. The decision to shut nearly 15 per cent of the state's liquor retail network immediately will likely face pushback from those concerned about the revenue impact, even as it wins broad public support across party lines. TASMAC has also been under scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate, which conducted raids across Tamil Nadu last year in connection with alleged money laundering offences linked to the corporation and associated entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

In one of his first moves as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Vijay has ordered 717 TASMAC liquor shops shut near temples, schools and bus stands. Notably, Vijay's TVK in its election manifesto had promised “drug-free Tamil Nadu”. How will it affect government revenue? Scroll down.

Tamil Nadu TASMAC shop closure: CM Vijay orders closure of 717 liquor shops near schools, temples and bus stands

TVK chief Vijay has received the Governor’s approval to take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu following the Assembly election results. The development comes after days of intense political negotiations and alliance discussions that secured the numbers for government formation. The swearing-in ceremony marks a historic moment in Tamil Nadu politics as a new government prepares to take charge.


Tamil Nadu Elections: TVK Chief Gets Governor's Nod to Take Oath as Tamil Nadu CM

Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) found it much easier to win the Assembly election than to pave the way for him to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. A day after the election results became clear, Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony was scheduled to take place on Saturday (May 9) morning. However, it was delayed after the party once again fell short of the required majority mark of 118 MLAs.&nbsp;Amid the uncertainty surrounding the oath-taking ceremony, actor and politician Mansoor Ali Khan revealed how Vijay is coping with the situation.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-political-crisis-vijay-s-swearing-in-ceremony-delayed-again-all-we-know-tamilaga-vettri-kazhagam-tvk-governor-rajendra-arlekar-1778291078108"> Tamil Nadu political crisis: Vijay's swearing-in ceremony delayed again? All we know</a>&nbsp;Khan, who contested in the Assembly elections, was spotted at Vijay’s Neelankarai residence, where he also spoke about the actor’s state of mind.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters, Khan said that Vijay is very brave and that he had come to encourage him during this difficult time.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Film actor Mansoor Ali Khan, who contested as an independent candidate in the Lalgudi Assembly constituency. Indian Actor Mansoor Ali Khan arrives at TVK Chief Vijay&#39;s Neelankarai residence. He says, &quot;... He (Vijay) has met the Governor for the… <a href="https://t.co/6aohcderSs">pic.twitter.com/6aohcderSs</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2053049784706232762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“I came to see him and say that he is very brave. I came to say everything will be fine. He has won a majority here, and I came to encourage him at this time,” Vijay said.&nbsp;Slamming the governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Khan said that he's doing the biggest injustice to the people of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;He added, “He (Vijay) has met the Governor for the third time, but the Governor is doing the biggest injustice to the people of Tamil Nadu... He (the Governor) does not have the right to say anything at all.”&nbsp;Khan contested as an independent candidate in the Lalgudi Assembly constituency.<h2>Vijay’s path to Tamil Nadu CM’s chair is clear, VCK and IUML extend support</h2>Hours after the swearing-in ceremony was delayed, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) finally extended unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), making Vijay's path clear to the Tamil Nadu chief minister’s chair.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam gets VCK backing in Tamil Nadu, Vijay expected to meet Governor as he gets majority support Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> Story| <a href="https://t.co/m1xFusowtr">https://t.co/m1xFusowtr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VCK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VCK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Majority?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Majority</a> <a href="https://t.co/PR8VfrXk04">pic.twitter.com/PR8VfrXk04</a>&mdash; ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/2053079155479343596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan gave the official confirmation letter to TVK General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna. Later, &nbsp;the IUML also extended its unconditional support to the party.&nbsp;After this, TVK now has 120 MLAs, two more than the majority mark of 118.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vck-and-iuml-finally-extend-unconditional-support-to-tvk-clear-vijay-s-path-to-tamil-nadu-cm-s-chair-1778328208215"> Read the full story here.&nbsp;</a>

Vijay's swearing-in ceremony as Tamil Nadu's chief minister was delayed after his party failed to prove the majority mark. Amid all the uncertainty, actor Mansoor Khan went to meet the actor and shared how the Governor is doing injustice to the people of the state. 

Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) found it much easier to win the Assembly election than to pave the way for him to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. A day after the election results became clear, Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony was scheduled to take place on Saturday (May 9) morning. However, it was delayed after the party once again fell short of the required majority mark of 118 MLAs. Amid the uncertainty surrounding the oath-taking ceremony, actor and politician Mansoor Ali Khan revealed how Vijay is coping with the situation. Also read: Tamil Nadu political crisis: Vijay's swearing-in ceremony delayed again? All we know Khan, who contested in the Assembly elections, was spotted at Vijay’s Neelankarai residence, where he also spoke about the actor’s state of mind. Speaking to reporters, Khan said that Vijay is very brave and that he had come to encourage him during this difficult time.

Vijay's swearing-in ceremony as Tamil Nadu's chief minister was delayed after his party failed to prove the majority mark. Amid all the uncertainty, actor Mansoor Ali Khan went to meet the actor and shared how the Governor is doing injustice to the people of the state.&nbsp;

Actor Mansoor Ali Khan meets Vijay, calls him brave: 'Governor is doing the biggest injustice'

Ending the uncertainty after keeping the cauldron of politics boiling since the announcement of assembly election results, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) finally extended unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Saturday, paving actor-politician Vijay’s path to the Tamil Nadu chief minister’s chair.&nbsp;&nbsp;VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan gave the official confirmation letter to TVK General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna, extending the party’s support to TVK to form a government in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;After VCK’s announcement, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)&nbsp;also extended its unconditional support to TVK to form a government in the state. Both VCK and IUML have two MLAs each.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Indian Union Muslim League Tamil Nadu unit has extended unconditional support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam for forming the government in Tamil Nadu. <a href="https://t.co/QcRPPpwKGP">pic.twitter.com/QcRPPpwKGP</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/2053073613750968423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;After the twin announcements, the TVK tally rose to 120, two more than the majority mark of 118, following the support of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML.&nbsp;VCK, which won two seats, kept Tamil Nadu on the edge as Vijay could not muster the support of 118 MLAs over the last four days.TVK, a two-year-old party, upstaged Dravidian behemoths like DMK and AIADMK to emerge as the single largest party.&nbsp;TVK secured recognition as an official political party after crossing 50 lakh votes in its debut Tamil Nadu assembly election, signifying a huge shift in the state’s political landscape, and presented itself as a third alternative to end the DMK-AIADMK duopoly.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Governor cancels Kerala trip, to meet Vijay at 6.30 pm</h2>&nbsp;Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has reportedly cancelled his Kerala trip and is now set to meet TVK Chief Vijay at 6:30 PM after TVK got the support of VCK and IUML, with the total seat tally reaching 120.As per reports, TVK chief Vijay has requested all party representatives or leaders who have given support to join him when he goes to meet the governor for finally staking claim with the majority numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>MK Stalin congratulates Vijay</h2>&nbsp;DMK Supremo MK Stalin congratulates Vijay and said that his party would function as a constructive opposition. Thanking allies who stood by the DMK, Stalin expressed hope that the incoming Vijay-led government would continue the welfare schemes and development initiatives introduced during the DMK’s tenure for the benefit of the people of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;<h2>TVK worker attempts self-immolation</h2>&nbsp;Earlier, a 47-year-old TVK worker attempted self-immolation near Settikulam in Tirunelveli district on Saturday. He was reportedly distressed over the delay in Vijay becoming the chief minister after the TVK emerged as the single largest party in the state. The victim, identified as Isakkiappan, is reported to be the TVK branch secretary for Puthumanai village.&nbsp;

After the announcement by the VCK leadership, the IUML also extended its unconditional support to TVK for forming government. After the twin announcements, the TVK tally rose to 120, two more than the majority mark of 118, following the support of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML.

Ending the uncertainty after keeping the cauldron of politics boiling since the announcement of assembly election results, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) finally extended unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Saturday, paving actor-politician Vijay’s path to the Tamil Nadu chief minister’s chair. VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan gave the official confirmation letter to TVK General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna, extending the party’s support to TVK to form a government in the state.

After the announcement by the VCK leadership, the IUML also extended its unconditional support to TVK for forming government. After the twin announcements, the TVK tally rose to 120, two more than the majority mark of 118, following the support of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML.

VCK and IUML finally extend unconditional support to TVK, clear Vijay’s path to Tamil Nadu CM’s chair

In a dramatic twist to Tamil Nadu’s post-election political crisis, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi’s (VCK) X account has been suspended for alleged "violation of X rules," just as speculation intensifies over its possible support for Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The party's X account, as per reports, was allegedly suspended after it purportedly posted in support of Vijay's TVK forming a coalition government in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.<h2>Pro-TVK post behind the suspension?</h2>While reports suggest that a purported pro-TVK post may be behind the Tamil Nadu part's X account's suspension, VCK is yet to issue a statement confirming or denying this.Notably, VCK has not officially confirmed support for Vijay's TVK party.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-political-crisis-vijay-s-swearing-in-ceremony-delayed-again-all-we-know-tamilaga-vettri-kazhagam-tvk-governor-rajendra-arlekar-1778291078108">Tamil Nadu political crisis: Vijay's swearing-in ceremony delayed again? All we know</a><h2>Will VCK pull back support?</h2>VCK has already announced that it would back TVK. However, reports suggest that Governor Rajendra Arlekar is still awaiting a formal letter of support from VCK before making any announcement on government formation.Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi 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.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>To be or not to be: Will Thalapathy Vijay be the new Tamil Nadu CM?</h2>Earlier this week, Thalapathy Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) pulled off what would have seemed impossible just months ago: transforming a first-ever electoral outing into a big-time election sweep with 108 seats. However, despite winning the highest number of seats in the state, the TVK is still racing to cross the 118-seat majority mark in the 234-member Assembly. Support from Congress, CPI and CPI(M) has already strengthened Vijay’s position, while VCK’s two seats could prove symbolically and politically significant.Vijay has already met the Governor and staked a claim to form the government; however, the historic swearing-in ceremony, which was slated to happen on Saturday (May 9), seems to have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-political-crisis-vijay-s-swearing-in-ceremony-delayed-again-all-we-know-tamilaga-vettri-kazhagam-tvk-governor-rajendra-arlekar-1778291078108">pushed back once again</a>.&nbsp;Earlier, CPI State Secretary Veerapandian described it as the "democratic duty" of the Left parties and the VCK to support "the single largest party, TVK," which fell short of a majority by six seats despite its alliance with the Congress. "TVK is the single-largest party. It needs six MLAs to form the government. We have given six 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 democracy, we will stand with people," he told ANI.

Tamil Nadu’s power struggle just took another bizarre turn: VCK’s X account has been suspended, allegedly after the party posted in support of Vijay’s TVK. With TVK inches from power, this digital disruption is now feeding the political suspense. Scroll down.

In a dramatic twist to Tamil Nadu’s post-election political crisis, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi’s (VCK) X account has been suspended for alleged "violation of X rules," just as speculation intensifies over its possible support for Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The party's X account, as per reports, was allegedly suspended after it purportedly posted in support of Vijay's TVK forming a coalition government in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Pro-TVK post behind the suspension? While reports suggest that a purported pro-TVK post may be behind the Tamil Nadu part's X account's suspension, VCK is yet to issue a statement confirming or denying this. Notably, VCK has not officially confirmed support for Vijay's TVK party. Also read | Tamil Nadu political crisis: Vijay's swearing-in ceremony delayed again? All we know Will VCK pull back support? VCK has already announced that it would back TVK. However, reports suggest that Governor Rajendra Arlekar is still awaiting a formal letter of support from VCK before making any announcement on government formation. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi 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. Also read | Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government To be or not to be: Will Thalapathy Vijay be the new Tamil Nadu CM? Earlier this week, Thalapathy Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) pulled off what would have seemed impossible just months ago: transforming a first-ever electoral outing into a big-time election sweep with 108 seats. However, despite winning the highest number of seats in the state, the TVK is still racing to cross the 118-seat majority mark in the 234-member Assembly. Support from Congress, CPI and CPI(M) has already strengthened Vijay’s position, while VCK’s two seats could prove symbolically and politically significant. Vijay has already met the Governor and staked a claim to form the government; however, the historic swearing-in ceremony, which was slated to happen on Saturday (May 9), seems to have been pushed back once again. Earlier, CPI State Secretary Veerapandian described it as the "democratic duty" of the Left parties and the VCK to support "the single largest party, TVK," which fell short of a majority by six seats despite its alliance with the Congress. "TVK is the single-largest party. It needs six MLAs to form the government. We have given six 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 democracy, we will stand with people," he told ANI.

Tamil Nadu’s power struggle just took another bizarre turn: VCK’s X account has been suspended, allegedly after the party posted in support of Vijay’s TVK. With TVK inches from power, this digital disruption is now feeding the political suspense. Scroll down.

'X' factor in Tamil Nadu political crisis: VCK account suspended after purported post supporting Vijay’s TVK

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

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay is set to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at 11 am on Saturday (May 09) after receiving approval from Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to form the government. Vijay met the Governor at Lok Bhavan in Chennai on Friday evening and presented letters of support from 118 MLAs, crossing the majority mark in the Assembly. Following the meeting, he was formally invited to form the government.&nbsp;The breakthrough for the actor-turned-politician comes after days of speculation following the fractured mandate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Vijay secured support from Congress, VCK, CPI and CPI(M), helping the TVK-led bloc cross the halfway mark in the 234-member Assembly.&nbsp;Later in the evening, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also extended support to TVK. “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. The Vijay-led TVK delivered a strong debut electoral performance, dethroning MK Stalin’s DMK in the Assembly elections. However, despite emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, TVK initially fell short of the majority required to form a stable government.&nbsp;Congress, which won five seats, later extended support to Vijay, but the alliance remained below the 118-seat majority mark. The political equation changed after CPI(M), CPI and VCK also joined the bloc, putting TVK in a position to stake a claim for government formation.&nbsp;The alliance tally currently stands at: TVK – 108 seats, Congress – 5, CPI – 2, CPI(M) – 2, VCK – 2 and IUML – 2, taking the coalition’s strength to 121 MLAs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-bhoy-out-bhorsa-in-bjp-leader-suvendu-adhikari-s-message-for-bengal-after-being-named-next-cm-1778245318508">‘Bhoy out, bhorsha in’: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s first message after being named Bengal CM – What he said</a>&nbsp;The Indian Union Muslim League, which has two MLAs in the Assembly, extended support following Vijay’s meeting with the Governor. With this, the TVK-led alliance has crossed the majority mark comfortably.&nbsp;Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi are likely to attend Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony. Notably, this was Vijay’s third visit to the Governor in three days after he was earlier asked to furnish proof of majority during his previous meetings at Lok Bhavan.&nbsp;Meanwhile, after days of reported standoff with the Governor, TVK denied reports that it had moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to invite Vijay to form the government. ANI, citing sources, reported that the party clarified it had not filed any such plea. The clarification came after a petitioner identified as Ezhilarasi K, claiming to be an active member of TVK, approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Governor to invite Vijay to form the government in Tamil Nadu.

The development came after Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan and formally staked claim to form the government after securing support from multiple parties in the wake of the fractured Assembly mandate

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay is set to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at 11 am on Saturday (May 09) after receiving approval from Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to form the government. Vijay met the Governor at Lok Bhavan in Chennai on Friday evening and presented letters of support from 118 MLAs, crossing the majority mark in the Assembly. Following the meeting, he was formally invited to form the government. The breakthrough for the actor-turned-politician comes after days of speculation following the fractured mandate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Vijay secured support from Congress, VCK, CPI and CPI(M), helping the TVK-led bloc cross the halfway mark in the 234-member Assembly. Later in the evening, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also extended support to TVK. “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. The Vijay-led TVK delivered a strong debut electoral performance, dethroning MK Stalin’s DMK in the Assembly elections. However, despite emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, TVK initially fell short of the majority required to form a stable government. Congress, which won five seats, later extended support to Vijay, but the alliance remained below the 118-seat majority mark. The political equation changed after CPI(M), CPI and VCK also joined the bloc, putting TVK in a position to stake a claim for government formation. The alliance tally currently stands at: TVK – 108 seats, Congress – 5, CPI – 2, CPI(M) – 2, VCK – 2 and IUML – 2, taking the coalition’s strength to 121 MLAs. Also Read: ‘Bhoy out, bhorsha in’: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s first message after being named Bengal CM – What he said The Indian Union Muslim League, which has two MLAs in the Assembly, extended support following Vijay’s meeting with the Governor. With this, the TVK-led alliance has crossed the majority mark comfortably. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi are likely to attend Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony. Notably, this was Vijay’s third visit to the Governor in three days after he was earlier asked to furnish proof of majority during his previous meetings at Lok Bhavan. Meanwhile, after days of reported standoff with the Governor, TVK denied reports that it had moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to invite Vijay to form the government. ANI, citing sources, reported that the party clarified it had not filed any such plea. The clarification came after a petitioner identified as Ezhilarasi K, claiming to be an active member of TVK, approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Governor to invite Vijay to form the government in Tamil Nadu.

The development came after Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan and formally staked a claim to form the government after securing support from multiple parties in the wake of the fractured Assembly mandate

Vijay to take oath as Tamil Nadu CM on Saturday after Governor’s nod

Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s road to the Chief Minister’s office is gaining momentum by every minute passing. Amid this political journey, the actor has landed in fresh legal trouble linked to his 2015 film Puli. A writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the actor over alleged income tax irregularities.&nbsp;The plea is linked to Income Tax proceedings that began after the release of Puli. The petition alleges suppression of income and accuses the actor of not fully declaring his earnings and much more. The plea has also sought for registration of an FIR against Vijay and a probe by competent authorities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as per Live Law.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vijay-brings-back-mgr-magic-in-tamil-nadu-election-result-kamal-hassan-trisha-jayalaitha-affair-thalapathy-vaathi-coming-tvk-who-will-be-tamil-nadu-cm-1777898435333">Tamil Nadu Election Results: Vijay brings back MGR magic - Is his story similar to AIADMK founder?</a>&nbsp;The recent update in the case that has been time and again knocking on the doors of Vijay's office is that the Madras High Court has directed its registry to number and list a plea seeking a probe into the allegation levelled against the actor. The plea has also sought the registration of an FIR against Vijay and a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.&nbsp;However, the bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan has not numbered the registry over doubts on its maintainability. The judges have noted that deciding the issue of maintainability is a judicial function, and the registry could not raise such objections.&nbsp;The petition was submitted last month seeking an FIR. However, now, the High Court Registry has officially numbered it.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/will-vijay-become-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-how-tvk-can-form-government-as-resort-politics-starts-1778136685624">Will Vijay become Tamil Nadu Chief Minister? Permutations and combinations as resort politics starts</a>&nbsp;“In view of the decision of the Hon'ble Apex Court, the directions and circular already issued, we hereby direct the Registry not to refuse to number any case raising the issue of maintainability. If the cases filed are otherwise in order but the Registry still has a doubt regarding maintainability, the case shall be numbered with an endorsement “numbered subject to maintainability” and shall be listed before the concerned Hon'ble Roster Judge, separately under the caption “for maintainability”, along with the objections raised and compliance reported. It is for the Court to decide on maintainability of the case and if found maintainable, then to consider the case on merits,” the court said, as per Live Law.<h2>What was the alleged income tax irregularities case?</h2> The petition stems from income tax proceedings initiated in 2015 following the release of the Tamil film Puli, concerning payments received by the actor and the taxes paid on them. On September 30, 2015, the Income Tax Department conducted a raid at the actor’s residence and allegedly found material indicating the presence of unaccounted cash.&nbsp;The petitioner also claims that Puli producers PT Selvakumar and Shibu of SKT Studios paid Vijay Rs 16 crore by cheque and an additional Rs 4.93 crore in cash. While tax was deducted at source from the cheque amount, no TDS was deducted on the cash payment. &nbsp;During the investigation, Vijay reportedly admitted to receiving about Rs 5 crore in cash as part of his fee for Puli and agreed to pay the applicable tax on that amount.&nbsp;Then, in the financial year of 2015-16, he disclosed an additional income of Rs 15 crore. This disclosure allegedly included the cash amount that had come under the scanner during the tax investigation. Later, in July 2016, Vijay filed his Income Tax returns for the assessment year 2016–17, declaring a total income of Rs 35.42 crore, which reportedly included the additional Rs 15 crore.&nbsp;According to The Hindu, the petition was filed by Chennai man named M. Rajkumar in March 2026.

Vijay, might be the next CM of Tamil Nadu after the surprising win of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which became the single largest party in Tamil Nadu Elections. Amid all, an old tax case has knocked the doors of the actor turned politician. Read details. 

Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s road to the Chief Minister’s office is gaining momentum by every minute passing. Amid this political journey, the actor has landed in fresh legal trouble linked to his 2015 film Puli. A writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the actor over alleged income tax irregularities. The plea is linked to Income Tax proceedings that began after the release of Puli. The petition alleges suppression of income and accuses the actor of not fully declaring his earnings and much more. The plea has also sought for registration of an FIR against Vijay and a probe by competent authorities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as per Live Law. Also read: Tamil Nadu Election Results: Vijay brings back MGR magic - Is his story similar to AIADMK founder? The recent update in the case that has been time and again knocking on the doors of Vijay's office is that the Madras High Court has directed its registry to number and list a plea seeking a probe into the allegation levelled against the actor. The plea has also sought the registration of an FIR against Vijay and a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. However, the bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan has not numbered the registry over doubts on its maintainability. The judges have noted that deciding the issue of maintainability is a judicial function, and the registry could not raise such objections. The petition was submitted last month seeking an FIR. However, now, the High Court Registry has officially numbered it. Also read: Will Vijay become Tamil Nadu Chief Minister? Permutations and combinations as resort politics starts “In view of the decision of the Hon'ble Apex Court, the directions and circular already issued, we hereby direct the Registry not to refuse to number any case raising the issue of maintainability. If the cases filed are otherwise in order but the Registry still has a doubt regarding maintainability, the case shall be numbered with an endorsement “numbered subject to maintainability” and shall be listed before the concerned Hon'ble Roster Judge, separately under the caption “for maintainability”, along with the objections raised and compliance reported. It is for the Court to decide on maintainability of the case and if found maintainable, then to consider the case on merits,” the court said, as per Live Law. What was the alleged income tax irregularities case? The petition stems from income tax proceedings initiated in 2015 following the release of the Tamil film Puli, concerning payments received by the actor and the taxes paid on them. On September 30, 2015, the Income Tax Department conducted a raid at the actor’s residence and allegedly found material indicating the presence of unaccounted cash. The petitioner also claims that Puli producers PT Selvakumar and Shibu of SKT Studios paid Vijay Rs 16 crore by cheque and an additional Rs 4.93 crore in cash. While tax was deducted at source from the cheque amount, no TDS was deducted on the cash payment. During the investigation, Vijay reportedly admitted to receiving about Rs 5 crore in cash as part of his fee for Puli and agreed to pay the applicable tax on that amount. Then, in the financial year of 2015-16, he disclosed an additional income of Rs 15 crore. This disclosure allegedly included the cash amount that had come under the scanner during the tax investigation. Later, in July 2016, Vijay filed his Income Tax returns for the assessment year 2016–17, declaring a total income of Rs 35.42 crore, which reportedly included the additional Rs 15 crore. According to The Hindu, the petition was filed by Chennai man named M. Rajkumar in March 2026.

Vijay, might be the next CM of Tamil Nadu after the surprising win of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which became the single largest party in Tamil Nadu Elections. Amid all, an old tax case has knocked the doors of the actor turned politician. Read details.&nbsp;

What is the Puli tax case? Inside the 2015 income tax raids and 2026 FIR plea against Vijay

TVK chief Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan to stake a claim for forming the government after securing majority support in the Assembly. The visit marked his third meeting with the Governor in three days following the historic mandate on May 4.&nbsp;After days of speculation over the election outcome, 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 continuing political uncertainty in the state.&nbsp;The Vijay-led TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam), in a strong debut electoral performance, is said to have dethroned MK Stalin’s DMK. However, with 108 seats, it fell short of the majority required to form a stable government. Congress, with five seats, later extended support, but the alliance still remained below the 118-seat majority mark.&nbsp;The situation shifted after CPI(M), CPI and VCK also joined the bloc, putting TVK in a position to stake a claim for government formation.&nbsp;The current seat tally of the alliance stands at: TVK – 108 seats, Congress – 5, CPI – 2, CPI(M) – 2, and VCK – 2.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has formally extended unconditional support to Vijay, backing his bid to form the government in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;“Under the instructions of our Party Secretary, M. Veerapandian, I, T. Ramachandran, as the Leader of the Legislature Party of the Communist Party of India in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, on behalf of our two Members of Legislative Assembly, do hereby convey our unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam under the leadership of its President and Legislative Party Leader, Mr. C. Joseph Vijay, for the purpose of formation of the Government in the State of Tamil Nadu,” the statement said.&nbsp;In a related development, the TVK has denied reports that it moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Tamil Nadu Governor to invite actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay to form the government in the state, ANI reported, citing sources.&nbsp;The clarification came after a petitioner identified as Ezhilarasi K., who claimed to be an active member of the party, approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Governor to invite Vijay to form the government in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

The alliance currently has TVK with 108 seats, Congress 5, CPI 2, CPI(M) 2 and VCK 2, taking its total to 119 seats. With this, the bloc has crossed the 118-seat halfway mark in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, strengthening its claim to form the government.

TVK chief Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan to stake a claim for forming the government after securing majority support in the Assembly. The visit marked his third meeting with the Governor in three days following the historic mandate on May 4. After days of speculation over the election outcome, 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 continuing political uncertainty in the state. The Vijay-led TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam), in a strong debut electoral performance, is said to have dethroned MK Stalin’s DMK. However, with 108 seats, it fell short of the majority required to form a stable government. Congress, with five seats, later extended support, but the alliance still remained below the 118-seat majority mark. The situation shifted after CPI(M), CPI and VCK also joined the bloc, putting TVK in a position to stake a claim for government formation. The current seat tally of the alliance stands at: TVK – 108 seats, Congress – 5, CPI – 2, CPI(M) – 2, and VCK – 2. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has formally extended unconditional support to Vijay, backing his bid to form the government in Tamil Nadu. “Under the instructions of our Party Secretary, M. Veerapandian, I, T. Ramachandran, as the Leader of the Legislature Party of the Communist Party of India in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, on behalf of our two Members of Legislative Assembly, do hereby convey our unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam under the leadership of its President and Legislative Party Leader, Mr. C. Joseph Vijay, for the purpose of formation of the Government in the State of Tamil Nadu,” the statement said. In a related development, the TVK has denied reports that it moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Tamil Nadu Governor to invite actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay to form the government in the state, ANI reported, citing sources. The clarification came after a petitioner identified as Ezhilarasi K., who claimed to be an active member of the party, approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Governor to invite Vijay to form the government in Tamil Nadu.

The alliance currently has TVK with 108 seats, Congress 5, CPI 2, CPI(M) 2 and VCK 2, taking its total to 119 seats. With this, the bloc has crossed the 118-seat halfway mark in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, strengthening its claim to form the government.

Vijay meets Governor as TVK alliance crosses majority mark in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu government formation talks are fluid, with actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) still negotiating with various smaller parties for support after it emerged as the single largest party without the majority mark of 118. With 108 MLAs (including two seats won by Vijay, one of which he will have to vacate) and explicit support from five Congress MLAs, TVK still needs external support to form the government. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar insisted on written proof of support before inviting Vijay for a floor test in the Assembly and to form the next government in the south Indian state. While DMK, the second largest party led by former chief minister MK Stalin, said it is willing to give up to six months for TVK to prove majority support, the situation remains unpredictable amid multiple backroom manoeuvres.Parties with single-digit seats in the Assembly have suddenly emerged as the most important players in this context. Topping the kingmaker list are VCK and PMK, along with a couple of Left parties. Here is what you should know about the VCK, PMK and other potential kingmaker parties.<h2>VCK, the Dalit-focused party that could emerge powerful</h2>VCK, or Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which translates to Liberation Panthers Party, advocates social justice, opposition to caste discrimination, and Tamil nationalism. A political spinoff of the Dalit Panthers movement of the 1980s and 1990s, it has become an electoral presence in the past few years, particularly in constituencies reserved for the downtrodden Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, collectively known as Dalits.The party is led by its chairperson and president Thol Thirumavalavan, a prominent Dalit activist and lawyer who is also a parliamentarian from Chidambaram. Writer and former parliamentarian D Ravikumar is the party's general secretary.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>&nbsp;While it has an independent ideology advocating social justice, VCK has allied in the past with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). In the Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026, VCK won two seats: Vanni Arasu from Tindivanam and LE Jothimani from Kattumannarkoil.TVK is actively courting VCK, with Vijay personally reaching out to Thirumavalavan.VCK's two MLAs, along with the four from Left parties (two from CPI and two from CPI(M)), could turn the fortunes in favour of TVK. They could also block Vijay's path to power.VCK is reportedly consulting internally and with allies before deciding on its course of action.It has also urged the governor to invite TVK for a floor test and is weighing ideological alignment, even while dealing with the dilemma of having been a DMK ally.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-vijay-s-tvk-shocks-tamil-nadu-as-cm-buzz-explodes-after-debut-win-1778159288060/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-vijay-s-tvk-shocks-tamil-nadu-as-cm-buzz-explodes-after-debut-win-1778159288060/embed</a><h2>PMK is the other party that could help TVK form the government. But will they?</h2>Pattali Makkal Katchi, which won four seats in the Assembly election, is a party mainly led by the powerful Vanniyar community. It is numerically stronger than VCK in the Assembly.Multiple reports indicate PMK is considering or is likely to extend support to TVK, with the party's founder S. Anbumani Ramadoss holding party meetings to decide. Ramadoss has already publicly urged that TVK's massive mandate as the single-largest party be accepted.But that is not the full picture. In the past, PMK had allied with the BJP-led NDA and AIADMK.This would make them ideologically incompatible with TVK.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">Congress calls for statewide protest as Vijay’s TVK scrambles for the 'final five' to form government in Tamil Nadu</a><h2>Which other parties can help TVK form the government?</h2>Indian Union Muslim League, with two seats, has so far rejected TVK overtures and prefers sticking with DMK and SPA on ideological grounds. Left parties are also in discussions with TVK but remain tied to the broader SPA ecosystem, which makes it a difficult choice to make.Broader support from independents and possible rebels from larger Dravidian parties AIADMK and DMK could tip the scales in favour of TVK. But the price to pay would be senior Cabinet berths, which might weaken TVK while allocating ministerial portfolios.

Actor-politician Vijay’s TVK is seeking support from VCK, PMK and Left parties to cross the majority mark and form the next government in Tamil Nadu after emerging as the single largest party. But his path to chief ministership is not yet clear. Who will emerge the kingmaker?

The Tamil Nadu government formation talks are fluid, with actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) still negotiating with various smaller parties for support after it emerged as the single largest party without the majority mark of 118. With 108 MLAs (including two seats won by Vijay, one of which he will have to vacate) and explicit support from five Congress MLAs, TVK still needs external support to form the government. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar insisted on written proof of support before inviting Vijay for a floor test in the Assembly and to form the next government in the south Indian state. While DMK, the second largest party led by former chief minister MK Stalin, said it is willing to give up to six months for TVK to prove majority support, the situation remains unpredictable amid multiple backroom manoeuvres. Parties with single-digit seats in the Assembly have suddenly emerged as the most important players in this context. Topping the kingmaker list are VCK and PMK, along with a couple of Left parties. Here is what you should know about the VCK, PMK and other potential kingmaker parties. VCK, the Dalit-focused party that could emerge powerful VCK, or Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which translates to Liberation Panthers Party, advocates social justice, opposition to caste discrimination, and Tamil nationalism. A political spinoff of the Dalit Panthers movement of the 1980s and 1990s, it has become an electoral presence in the past few years, particularly in constituencies reserved for the downtrodden Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, collectively known as Dalits. The party is led by its chairperson and president Thol Thirumavalavan, a prominent Dalit activist and lawyer who is also a parliamentarian from Chidambaram. Writer and former parliamentarian D Ravikumar is the party's general secretary. Also read: Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government While it has an independent ideology advocating social justice, VCK has allied in the past with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). In the Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026, VCK won two seats: Vanni Arasu from Tindivanam and LE Jothimani from Kattumannarkoil. TVK is actively courting VCK, with Vijay personally reaching out to Thirumavalavan. VCK's two MLAs, along with the four from Left parties (two from CPI and two from CPI(M)), could turn the fortunes in favour of TVK. They could also block Vijay's path to power. VCK is reportedly consulting internally and with allies before deciding on its course of action. It has also urged the governor to invite TVK for a floor test and is weighing ideological alignment, even while dealing with the dilemma of having been a DMK ally. https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-vijay-s-tvk-shocks-tamil-nadu-as-cm-buzz-explodes-after-debut-win-1778159288060/embed PMK is the other party that could help TVK form the government. But will they? Pattali Makkal Katchi, which won four seats in the Assembly election, is a party mainly led by the powerful Vanniyar community. It is numerically stronger than VCK in the Assembly. Multiple reports indicate PMK is considering or is likely to extend support to TVK, with the party's founder S. Anbumani Ramadoss holding party meetings to decide. Ramadoss has already publicly urged that TVK's massive mandate as the single-largest party be accepted. But that is not the full picture. In the past, PMK had allied with the BJP-led NDA and AIADMK. This would make them ideologically incompatible with TVK. Also read: Congress calls for statewide protest as Vijay’s TVK scrambles for the 'final five' to form government in Tamil Nadu Which other parties can help TVK form the government? Indian Union Muslim League, with two seats, has so far rejected TVK overtures and prefers sticking with DMK and SPA on ideological grounds. Left parties are also in discussions with TVK but remain tied to the broader SPA ecosystem, which makes it a difficult choice to make. Broader support from independents and possible rebels from larger Dravidian parties AIADMK and DMK could tip the scales in favour of TVK. But the price to pay would be senior Cabinet berths, which might weaken TVK while allocating ministerial portfolios.

Actor-politician Vijay’s TVK is seeking support from VCK, PMK and Left parties to cross the majority mark and form the next government in Tamil Nadu after emerging as the single largest party. But his path to chief ministership is not yet clear. Who will emerge the kingmaker?

Vijay's path to Tamil Nadu chief minister: Who will be the kingmaker - VCK, PMK or the Left? What you should know

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

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