Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar said C. Joseph Vijay must prove a legislative majority before being invited to form the state government.

The standoff creates a critical delay in the transition of power following the elections. If the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) cannot secure the remaining signatures, the state may face a prolonged period of political instability or a shift in coalition alliances.

During a meeting on Wednesday, the Governor said that the "requisite majority not established" [3]. To satisfy the requirement for an invitation to form the government, the Governor said Vijay must present signatures from all 118 winning MLAs [1].

Currently, Vijay has secured 112 signatures [1]. This shortfall of six signatures has led to a deadlock between the TVK chief and the Governor's office.

Reports on the Governor's final position vary. IndiaTVNews said that "no final decision has yet been taken on inviting Vijay to form the government" [2]. However, other reports state the Governor has already declined the bid due to the missing majority [3].

Vijay said he is ready to prove the majority on the floor of the house [4]. Despite this, the Governor has maintained that the proof must be presented prior to the swearing-in ceremony.

Arlekar said that the Governor asks Vijay to prove majority for oath [3]. The TVK chief must now negotiate with other winning candidates to close the gap between his current 112 signatures [1] and the required 118 [1].

“Requisite majority not established”

The demand for 118 signatures is an unusually high threshold for government formation, as it requires a near-total consensus of winning MLAs. This move by the Governor effectively forces the TVK to expand its coalition or secure absolute loyalty from almost every single winning member before taking office, significantly increasing the leverage of independent or swing candidates.