Vijay Set to Form Tamil Nadu Government as Congress Backs TVK After Historic Election Surge

Chennai - In a dramatic political shift that could reshape Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, actor-turned-politician Vijay is poised to form the next government after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single-largest party in the 2026 Assembly elections. Sources told NDTV that the Congress has decided to support TVK, potentially paving the way for Vijay to be sworn in as Chief Minister as early as May 7.

The 234-member Assembly delivered a fractured mandate, with TVK securing 108 seats — just 10 short of the majority mark of 118. The support of the Congress, which won five seats, raises the alliance tally to 113. TVK leaders are also expecting backing from Left parties and other regional allies, including CPI, CPM, and VCK, which together hold six seats.

The election results mark a historic disruption of Tamil Nadu’s long-standing political duopoly dominated by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). While the DMK managed only 59 seats, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin suffered a major personal setback after losing his Kolathur constituency to a TVK candidate. AIADMK finished with 47 seats.

Congress confirmed its decision to support TVK following a late-night virtual meeting of its Political Affairs Committee. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil told NDTV that the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee had been authorised to extend support for government formation.

According to sources, Congress expects two cabinet positions in the proposed Vijay-led government. Senior Congress leaders Girish Chodankar and Praveen Chakraborty are reportedly in touch with TVK leadership to finalise discussions. However, the party has set a key condition: TVK must not align with the BJP-led NDA or its allies, including AIADMK.

The development has triggered sharp reactions within the DMK camp. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai accused Congress of betrayal, calling them “backstabbers” during an interview with NDTV. He argued that Congress secured its five seats only because of its alliance with the DMK and questioned the wisdom of supporting TVK, which he alleged was ideologically closer to the BJP.

Despite the political tensions, celebrations erupted outside Vijay’s residence as supporters gathered in large numbers following the announcement of the results. Visuals showed party workers waving TVK flags, dancing, and bursting crackers as the actor’s stunning electoral debut transformed into a potential march to power.

Adding to the momentum, Kannada superstar Shivaraj Kumar congratulated Vijay on his victory while speaking to NDTV. Kumar praised Vijay’s education reform ideas and said he would “surely” try to attend the swearing-in ceremony if invited.

The AIADMK, meanwhile, is reportedly divided over whether to support TVK from outside, reflecting the uncertainty gripping Tamil Nadu’s changing political order.

Vijay entered politics just two years ago with the launch of TVK, promising a fresh alternative to voters disillusioned with traditional parties. His campaign, built around governance reforms, anti-corruption messaging, and youth outreach, appears to have resonated strongly across urban and semi-urban constituencies.

If the final numbers hold and supporting parties formally extend backing, Tamil Nadu could witness one of the most significant political transitions in its recent history — with a film superstar at the centre of a new coalition government.