Congress Backs Vijay’s TVK in Tamil Nadu, Sets Condition to Keep ‘Communal Forces’ Out

Chennai, May 2026 : In a significant post-election development in Tamil Nadu, the Indian National Congress on Wednesday formally announced its support to C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the next government in the state, while making it clear that the backing would remain conditional.

In an official statement, Girish Chodankar, the party’s Tamil Nadu in-charge, said Vijay had sought Congress support after TVK emerged as the single largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections. The Congress described the verdict as a clear mandate for a secular, progressive, and welfare-driven government aligned with constitutional principles.

“The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party have decided to extend full support to the TVK to form the government,” the statement said, emphasising that the people—particularly the youth—had placed their trust in Vijay’s leadership.

However, the Congress drew a firm line, stating that its support would depend on TVK ensuring that “communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India” are kept out of any alliance. The remark is widely seen as a reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies.

The move is politically crucial as TVK, contesting its first Assembly election, secured 108 seats in the 234-member House—just 10 short of the majority mark of 118. With Congress holding five seats as part of the DMK-led alliance, its support could prove decisive in enabling Vijay to stake claim to power.

The Congress also framed the alliance as part of a broader ideological commitment. It said the partnership would seek to revive the legacy of K. Kamaraj, while upholding the social justice ideals of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy and the constitutional vision of B. R. Ambedkar.

Describing the tie-up as a “historic responsibility,” the party indicated that the collaboration could extend beyond immediate government formation to future political engagements, including local body polls and national elections such as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

The statement further noted that Vijay and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi are aligned in their commitment to respect the people’s mandate and address the aspirations of Tamil Nadu’s citizens, especially the youth.

With numbers still tight in the Assembly, Congress’ conditional backing significantly boosts TVK’s chances, though the final shape of the government will depend on how effectively Vijay navigates alliance dynamics in the coming days.