TVK chief Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Friday to seek approval to form the state government.
The meeting marks a pivotal shift in the state's political landscape as a debut party attempts to secure the Chief Minister's office. This transition follows a high-stakes election where the TVK emerged as a dominant force.
Vijay met with the governor in Chennai on May 8, 2026. During the visit, he said that he has secured support from 120 MLAs [1]. This figure exceeds the majority threshold of 118 seats required in the 234-member assembly [3].
Despite the claim of a majority, the TVK won 108 seats on its own [2]. To bridge the gap to the majority mark, the party has sought alliances with other political entities. The Congress party, which won five seats, has pledged its support to the TVK [4].
The TVK's rise is supported by a significant popular mandate. The party crossed 50 lakh votes in its debut election [5]. This surge in voter support has positioned Vijay to potentially lead the state government after multiple meetings with the governor.
Governor Arlekar is currently reviewing the claims of support. The process of government formation in Tamil Nadu often involves verifying the support of various MLAs to ensure a stable administration, a step the governor is now overseeing following Vijay's fourth visit.
“Vijay met the Tamil Nadu Governor to seek approval to form the state government.”
The emergence of the TVK as a governing power represents a disruption of the traditional two-party dominance in Tamil Nadu. By securing 108 seats and forming a coalition with partners like Congress, Vijay has transitioned from a political newcomer to a viable candidate for Chief Minister, signaling a shift in voter preference toward new leadership.
