VCK Support Pushes TVK Past Majority Mark, Vijay Stakes Claim to Form Tamil Nadu Government

Chennai, May 2026: In a major breakthrough in Tamil Nadu’s post-election political scenario, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) on Saturday officially extended support to the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), enabling the party to cross the majority mark required to form the next government in the state.

The development significantly strengthened TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay in the race to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Soon after securing the required numbers, Vijay met Governor-in-Charge Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to formally stake claim to form the government.

Interestingly, this marked Vijay’s fourth meeting with the Governor in the last four days, underlining the fast-paced political negotiations underway since the Assembly election results were declared.

Tamil Nadu Assembly elections for all 234 constituencies were conducted in a single phase on April 23. The polls witnessed a fierce four-cornered contest involving the DMK, AIADMK, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and TVK.

When the results were announced on May 4, TVK emerged as the single-largest party by winning 108 seats. However, the party initially remained short of the majority mark of 118 seats needed to form the government in the 234-member Assembly.

Following the fractured verdict, intense political activity unfolded in Chennai, with TVK reaching out to several parties and independent legislators to secure additional support.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M) were among the first parties to announce support for TVK. Political attention then shifted to the VCK’s decision, which was widely seen as crucial to the government formation process.

With both VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) now formally backing TVK, the Vijay-led alliance is understood to have secured the support of around 120 MLAs, comfortably crossing the halfway mark in the Assembly.

Sources said Vijay sought an urgent appointment with Governor Arlekar ahead of the latter’s expected departure to Kerala. During the meeting, TVK leaders are believed to have submitted letters of support from allied parties and supporting legislators while formally staking claim to form the next government.

TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna later displayed the support documents before reporters and declared that Vijay would soon take oath as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

The rapid political developments triggered celebrations among TVK cadres and supporters across the state. Party workers burst crackers, distributed sweets and held victory marches in several districts as confidence grew over Vijay’s imminent elevation to the top post.

Meanwhile, political observers continued to closely watch Raj Bhavan for the Governor’s next move as Tamil Nadu moved closer to witnessing a new political chapter under the actor-turned-politician.