Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram said Governor R.N. Ravi must invite the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the Tamil Nadu government [1].
The statement follows the April 23, 2026 [3] assembly elections, where the party led by actor-politician Vijay emerged as the single largest entity. This development creates a significant shift in the state's political landscape, as the TVK now holds the primary claim to power.
Chidambaram, a former Finance Minister of India, said in interviews with NDTV and India Today that the law is clear regarding the appointment of the chief minister [1, 2]. He said that inviting the TVK to form the government is the only way to uphold constitutional provisions and avoid the imposition of President’s Rule [1, 2].
The Congress leader said that the TVK's performance in the elections was a shock to many, including his own party [1]. He said that the Congress had underestimated the influence and reach of Vijay during the campaign period [1].
By advocating for the TVK to take office, Chidambaram is aligning the Congress party with the results of the democratic process. He said that the Governor's role in this transition is to follow established legal norms to ensure stability in the region [2].
The TVK entered the 2026 election cycle without forming alliances with major blocs like the DMK or the NDA [3]. Their success as the single largest party disrupts the traditional bipolar competition in Tamil Nadu politics, a trend that has defined the state for decades [2].
“The law is clear that Governor R.N. Ravi must invite Vijay‑led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to form the Tamil Nadu government.”
The insistence by a senior Congress leader that the TVK lead the government suggests a strategic pivot by the opposition to support a new political force. If the Governor follows this constitutional precedent, it marks the first time a party led by a cinema star has successfully transitioned from a popular movement to the single largest legislative power in the state, potentially marginalizing established political dynasties.
