Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay left his residence at 6:30 p.m. [1] on May 9, 2026, to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar [6].

The meeting at Lok Bhavan, the Governor’s residence in Chennai, marks the critical first step in establishing a new administration for Tamil Nadu. Because the state government requires a clear majority to function, this meeting determines whether Vijay can successfully transition from a party leader to the chief minister.

Vijay is seeking to stake his claim to form the government following a strong performance by the TVK in the recent elections. The party won 108 seats [3], which places them close to the majority mark of 118 in the Assembly [4].

To secure the necessary numbers for a stable government, the TVK has sought the backing of allied parties. Reports indicate the alliance has secured the support of approximately 120 MLAs [5], a figure that exceeds the required majority mark. This support includes hints of backing from various left-leaning parties and the VCK.

Governor Arlekar is expected to review the evidence of support provided by Vijay before officially inviting him to form the government. The process follows standard constitutional protocol where the head of state evaluates which leader can command the confidence of the house.

While the TVK's own seat count of 108 [3] fell short of the 118 needed for an outright majority [4], the combined strength of the alliance is the focal point of the current negotiations. The outcome of this meeting will determine the date for the official swearing-in ceremony and the composition of the new cabinet.

“TVK chief Vijay left his residence at 6:30 p.m. on May 9, 2026, to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.”

The transition of power in Tamil Nadu hinges on the TVK's ability to maintain its alliance of 120 MLAs. By securing a number above the 118-seat majority mark, Vijay moves from a position of electoral strength to one of executive authority, potentially shifting the state's political landscape away from the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.