The dramatic breakthrough came after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) extended support to the TVK-led alliance, taking the coalition tally to 120 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. Sources indicated that Governor R. N. Ravi Arlekar is likely to meet Vijay soon after reportedly cancelling a scheduled trip to Kerala.
The latest developments mark a major turnaround for Vijay, whose attempt to form the government had faced repeated setbacks over the past three days due to uncertainty surrounding coalition numbers.
According to sources, the TVK-led alliance now commands the support of:
TVK – 107 seats
Congress – 5 seats
VCK – 2 seats
CPI – 2 seats
CPI(M) – 2 seats
IUML – 2 seats
The coalition has comfortably crossed the majority mark of 118.
Celebrations erupted outside TVK headquarters in Chennai as supporters burst crackers and raised slogans following confirmation of VCK’s support. Party workers described the moment as “historic,” with Tamil Nadu poised to witness its first major coalition government led by a newly formed regional party.
Governor Yet To Extend Formal Invitation
Despite emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly after the elections, TVK initially struggled to secure enough letters of support required by the Governor’s office. Vijay met Governor Arlekar three times in as many days but was reportedly told to demonstrate majority backing before being invited to form the government.
Sources now say Vijay is expected to meet the Governor again on Monday and formally present support from 120 MLAs.
Political observers noted that the situation exposed the complexities of coalition politics in Tamil Nadu, a state traditionally dominated by single-party governments led by either the DMK or AIADMK.
AIADMK Faces Internal Turmoil
As TVK consolidated support, the AIADMK appeared to be heading into internal turbulence. Sources claimed senior leader C. V. Shanmugam could lead a rebellion within the party, with more than 30 MLAs reportedly unhappy with the leadership of Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
Speculation intensified after reports emerged that several AIADMK leaders, including C. Vijayabhaskar and Leen Rose, were considering switching allegiance to Vijay’s camp.
The AIADMK had earlier moved several MLAs to a Puducherry resort amid fears of defections, underscoring the high political stakes during the government formation process.
Stalin Concedes Defeat
In a significant political gesture, outgoing Chief Minister M. K. Stalin acknowledged the changing political landscape and extended wishes to the incoming government.
In a statement posted on social media, Stalin said he would play the role of a “constructive opposition,” signalling the DMK’s acceptance of the electoral verdict despite attempts to explore alternative coalition arrangements with VCK.
Congress Accuses BJP Of Political Interference
Congress leaders alleged that the BJP attempted to influence the post-election arithmetic by encouraging AIADMK resistance to a TVK-led government.
Congress MP Jothimani claimed opposition efforts to prevent Vijay from taking power had failed after the coalition reached the majority figure.
Meanwhile, political commentator S Gurumurthy argued that Vijay’s camp committed a “technical mistake” by initially approaching the Governor as part of a coalition instead of staking claim as the single-largest party.
A Turning Point In Tamil Nadu Politics
The rapid rise of Vijay from cinema icon to probable Chief Minister has reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape in unprecedented fashion. His TVK, founded barely two years ago, emerged as the single-largest party in the election, challenging the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.
With coalition numbers now seemingly secured, attention has shifted to the Governor’s next move and the possibility of Vijay taking oath as Chief Minister in the coming days.
The developments could mark the beginning of a new political era in Tamil Nadu, where coalition politics — long considered unlikely in the state — may now become a defining feature of governance.
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