The Communist Party of India (Marxist) announced it will support Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government in Tamil Nadu.
This move is critical because TVK lacked an outright majority following the 2026 assembly elections. The support from CPI(M) and other coalition partners allows TVK to cross the majority threshold and avoid a political vacuum that could trigger central intervention.
CPI(M) leader K. Balakrishnan said the party will support TVK from outside the ministry. He said that TVK emerged as the single-largest party and the people’s mandate must be respected [1]. By offering support without taking cabinet positions, the CPI(M) aims to stabilize the state government while maintaining its distinct political identity.
Balakrishnan said the decision was driven by a need to prevent the imposition of President’s Rule or Governor’s Rule in the state [1]. The party also alleged that there is a conspiracy by communal forces and the US government to destabilize the region [2].
According to election data, TVK won 108 seats [3]. While this number is short of the 118 seats required for a majority, the party has now crossed that mark through the combined backing of CPI(M), CPI, VCK, and Congress [2].
This arrangement follows the reports from Friday regarding the formation of the new administration [4]. The shift in power marks a significant transition in Tamil Nadu politics as a new party takes the lead with the support of established left-wing, and centrist forces.
“TVK emerged as the single-largest party and the people’s mandate must be respected.”
The decision by CPI(M) to provide 'outside support' creates a strategic buffer for the TVK government. By ensuring a majority without entering the ministry, the left-wing parties can hold the government accountable from the periphery while preventing the Union government from invoking Article 356 to impose President's Rule. This reflects a tactical alliance aimed at keeping communal forces out of power in Tamil Nadu.
