The political climate in Tamil Nadu has reached a boiling point following the assembly election results. Actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, has issued a stern ultimatum. The party leadership strongly suspects a backdoor alliance between the Dravidian giants, DMK and AIADMK, aimed at preventing Vijay from becoming the Chief Minister. In response, TVK sources warned that if the public mandate is disrespected and an alternative government is formed bypassing them, all 108 of their newly elected MLAs will submit their mass resignations, inevitably forcing the state to face fresh elections.
Vijay has actively pursued his claim to power, meeting Governor Rajendra Arlekar twice within 24 hours to formally request the opportunity to form the government. In the 234-member assembly, the magic figure required for a majority is 118. With TVK securing 108 seats and the Congress party pledging the support of its five MLAs, Vijay’s total strength reached 113. However, since Vijay won from two constituencies, he must vacate one, bringing his effective strength to 112. To bridge the gap of the remaining six seats, TVK is now reportedly trying to woo DMK’s allies—CPI, CPM, and VCK—each of which holds two seats.
To bolster their constitutional claim, TVK’s legal team is heavily leaning on the “Karnataka formula,” reminding the Governor of the political precedent where the single largest party was invited to form the government and given time to prove its majority on the floor of the house. Meanwhile, political tension is escalating rapidly, with the Congress party even writing to the DGP citing threats to Vijay’s life, reflecting a volatile law and order situation. With the new government scheduled to take the oath of office on May 9, all eyes are currently fixed on the Governor’s impending decision.
