The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) warned that all its legislators will resign if the DMK or AIADMK attempt to form the Tamil Nadu government [3].

This escalation puts pressure on the state's traditional political powers to avoid a coalition that would sideline the TVK, which emerged as the single-largest party in the recent assembly elections.

TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay met with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Chennai on May 6 to stake a claim to form the government [2]. The party won 108 seats in the assembly [1]. To secure a majority in the 234-member house, a party or coalition requires 118 MLAs [4].

During the meeting, Governor Arlekar said Vijay must produce proof of support from 118 MLAs [2]. Vijay said he has moved the Governor to produce letters of support from that number of legislators [2].

To prevent defections or outside interference during this period, TVK moved its MLAs to a resort in Mamallapuram [1]. This tactic is often used in Indian politics to maintain party discipline during government formation.

Despite the TVK's position, sources report the party is prepared for a total walkout if rivals attempt to seize power. "If DMK or AIADMK try to form the government, all our MLAs will resign," a TVK source said [3]. While some reports suggest 107 MLAs would resign [2], other sources indicate the party would move all 108 of its members [3].

The TVK argues that its status as the largest single party entitles it to the first opportunity to govern. The threat of mass resignations would likely trigger a constitutional crisis, and potentially lead to fresh elections if a stable government cannot be formed.

“"If DMK or AIADMK try to form the government, all our MLAs will resign,"”

The TVK's aggressive stance represents a significant disruption to the long-standing bipolar dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. By leveraging its position as the single-largest party and threatening mass resignations, the TVK is attempting to force a mandate for leadership even without an absolute majority. The Governor's insistence on proof of 118 seats indicates a strict adherence to constitutional majority requirements, leaving the TVK in a precarious position where it must either secure coalition partners or risk a stalemate.