Governor Rajendra Arlekar postponed the scheduled oath-taking ceremony for Vijay, chief of the Thalapathy Vijay Katchi (TVK), on May 9, 2026.
The delay creates a political deadlock in Tamil Nadu, as the state remains without a confirmed government despite the conclusion of elections. The standoff centers on whether Vijay can prove he commands a legislative majority to lead the state.
The ceremony was expected to take place at Lok Bhavan, the Governor's residence [1]. However, the Governor said that no final decision has been taken on inviting Vijay to form the government or proceeding with the swearing-in [3].
The dispute hinges on the numbers in the 234-member assembly. The TVK won 108 seats [4], but the majority threshold required to form a government is 118 [2]. While Vijay presented support letters from 116 MLAs to the Governor [3], he remains two seats short of the required majority.
Opposition parties have reacted to the instability. A CPI spokesperson said the Governor must act in line with the Constitution, noting that while the people did not deliver a clear mandate, the TVK emerged with 108 seats [2]. Meanwhile, K.P. Munusamy, the AIADMK Deputy Coordinator, said he will not back Vijay's party [2].
Governor Arlekar has not provided a new date for the ceremony, leaving the TVK to seek further alliances to bridge the gap to 118 seats.
“The Governor must act in line with the Constitution.”
The postponement highlights the fragility of the TVK's position as a leading party without a clear majority. By refusing to swear in Vijay with only 116 letters of support, Governor Arlekar is adhering to a strict interpretation of the 118-seat threshold, forcing the TVK to either secure more definitive alliances or face a prolonged period of political instability in Tamil Nadu.
