AIADMK Cancels MLA Meet Amid Rift Over Supporting Vijay’s TVK Government

Chennai, May 2026 : In a dramatic twist in post-election politics in Tamil Nadu, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Wednesday abruptly cancelled its scheduled meeting of newly elected MLAs, fuelling speculation of internal divisions over whether to support C. Joseph Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in forming the next government.

The sudden cancellation comes at a crucial juncture, with TVK emerging as the single largest party in the Assembly after winning 108 seats in its debut electoral outing. However, the party remains short of the majority mark of 118 in the 234-member House and needs the backing of at least 12 more legislators to form a stable government.

As per convention, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is expected to invite Vijay to form the government. Once sworn in as Chief Minister, he will have to prove his majority on the Assembly floor within a stipulated timeframe, making post-poll alliances critical.

With TVK contesting independently and lacking pre-poll partners, its path to power hinges on support from parties aligned with either the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) or the AIADMK. Although TVK has not formally sought support, intense behind-the-scenes negotiations are believed to be underway in Chennai.

Speculation had been mounting that a section within AIADMK was open to extending outside support to Vijay, possibly to prevent the DMK from regaining power through alternative alliances. This made the now-cancelled MLA meeting particularly significant, as it was expected to produce a decisive stance on the issue.

However, the abrupt cancellation has instead exposed apparent fault lines within the party. Political sources suggest that disagreements have emerged between factions—one favouring unconditional or strategic support to TVK, and another strongly opposing any alignment with the newcomer party.

The internal discord has reportedly placed AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami under pressure, as the party struggles to chart a clear post-election strategy following its own electoral setback.

Observers believe that AIADMK’s eventual decision could play a pivotal role in determining the future government in Tamil Nadu. If the party chooses to extend support, it could significantly ease TVK’s path to power. Conversely, continued indecision or refusal could complicate Vijay’s efforts to secure a majority.

With numbers tight and political negotiations intensifying, the coming days are expected to be decisive. All eyes are now on AIADMK’s next move, which could ultimately shape the direction of governance in Tamil Nadu and redefine the state’s evolving political landscape.