Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress following the state assembly elections [1].
This shift in political alignment alters the power balance in Tamil Nadu by isolating the DMK and creating a new coalition to claim government control.
TVK won 108 seats in the assembly [1]. This total fell short of the 118 seats required for a majority [1]. To address this gap, the Congress party ended its existing alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to partner with Vijay [1], [2].
The new TVK-Congress alliance claims a combined total of 112 seats [1]. While this remains below the majority threshold, it positions the coalition as a primary contender for government formation. The DMK, which secured 73 seats [1], condemned the move after the Congress party severed their ties.
Other major players in the assembly include the AIADMK, which won 53 seats [1]. The announcement of these election results occurred on May 4, 2024 [2].
The political realignment follows a period of intense negotiation as TVK sought additional seats to reach a governing majority [1], [2]. The decision by the Congress to switch partners has created a volatile environment in the state legislature as parties vie for the remaining seats needed to reach 118 [1].
“TVK won 108 seats, fell short of the 118 needed for a majority”
The alliance between TVK and Congress signals a significant realignment in Tamil Nadu politics, shifting the center of power away from the DMK. By prioritizing a partnership with Vijay's rising TVK over its established tie with the DMK, the Congress is betting on a new political force to lead the state, though the coalition still needs more support to reach the 118-seat majority requirement.
