C Joseph Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) party, is threatening a mass resignation of his party's lawmakers to pressure the governor into appointing him chief minister.
The move follows a hung assembly where TVK emerged as the single-largest party but lacks a clear majority. This standoff creates a constitutional crisis in Tamil Nadu, as the state remains without a government while the governor decides who has the best chance of maintaining stability.
TVK has threatened that all 107 of its MLAs [1] will resign if Governor Rajendra Arlekar invites either the DMK or the AIADMK to form the government. This ultimatum is designed to prevent a coalition between the two rival parties that could sideline Vijay.
Vijay met with Governor Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan in Chennai to discuss the formation of the government. Reports indicate he made a second visit to the Lok Bhavan within 24 hours [1] to further negotiate his position.
While discussions regarding a swearing-in ceremony are ongoing, officials said no date has been scheduled. The delay persists as TVK continues to navigate potential alliances and faces opposition from other political blocs.
Other political leaders have reportedly gathered at a resort in Puducherry to coordinate their responses to TVK's demands. The governor's decision rests on whether he believes Vijay can secure enough support from other parties, or independent candidates, to form a stable administration following the April 23, 2026 [1] assembly elections.
“TVK is threatening a mass resignation of its 107 MLAs”
The threat of mass resignations by the single-largest party is a high-stakes gambit to force the governor's hand. By risking the seats of 107 MLAs, TVK is attempting to make the cost of ignoring them higher than the cost of appointing a minority government. If the governor rejects Vijay and the resignations occur, it could trigger widespread by-elections or a total collapse of the legislative process, significantly delaying governance in the state.
