Vijay Invited to Form Government in Tamil Nadu After Meeting Governor Arlekar

Chennai, May 2026 : C. Joseph Vijay moved significantly closer to becoming the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after formally meeting Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday and presenting his claim to form the government following the Assembly elections.

The high-level meeting at Lok Bhavan came after days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations triggered by a fractured electoral verdict in the state. Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly by winning 108 seats in its maiden electoral contest, dramatically reshaping Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

Although TVK fell short of the majority mark, sources familiar with the discussions said Vijay assured Governor Arlekar that he would comfortably prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly after taking oath as Chief Minister. During the meeting, Vijay is understood to have submitted details of the support currently available to his party and conveyed confidence that the required numbers would be secured during the trust vote.

According to sources, the Governor expressed satisfaction over the assurances provided by the TVK leadership regarding government stability and legislative support. Soon after the discussions concluded, Vijay was formally invited to form the next government in Tamil Nadu, effectively ending speculation over whether the Governor would insist on additional letters of support before taking a decision.

Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony have reportedly begun, with the event likely to take place either on Friday or Saturday in Chennai. Senior TVK leaders, alliance partners and several political dignitaries from across the country are expected to attend the ceremony.

The development marks a major turning point in Tamil Nadu politics. Vijay, one of the state’s most popular film stars, is set to become the first actor in recent decades to successfully transform cinematic fame into a decisive electoral breakthrough in his debut political contest.

Political analysts believe TVK’s rapid rise has disrupted the traditional Dravidian political structure that has long been dominated by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

The Governor’s decision to invite Vijay to form the government is being viewed as the beginning of a new political chapter in the state. However, political observers note that negotiations over outside support and alliance management are likely to continue until the new government faces the crucial floor test in the Assembly.

The coming days are expected to be politically significant as TVK prepares to take charge of the state administration while simultaneously working to consolidate support within the Assembly and establish stability for the new government.