The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) announced its support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to help form a government in Tamil Nadu [1, 2].
This alliance is critical because the TVK failed to secure an outright majority in the assembly election held on April 23, 2026 [4]. Without the support of smaller parties, TVK chief Vijay cannot legally claim the leadership of the state government.
The TVK won 108 seats in the assembly [1]. To form a stable government, a party must reach a majority threshold of 118 MLAs [2]. While IndiaTVNews reported that the TVK was initially 10 seats short of this mark [4], The Hindu said the party requires the support of two more MLAs to prove its majority [1].
Following the announcement, the Governor met with Vijay at Lok Bhavan [2]. VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan said the party is backing the TVK during a briefing at the VCK office in Ashok Nagar [1, 2]. The TVK's surge in popularity was highlighted by the party crossing 50 lakh votes to gain party status [6].
Other political players are monitoring the development. TKS Elangovan, a spokesperson for the DMK, said the party has not discussed any alliance with the AIADMK and would wait until May 10 [3]. Meanwhile, TVK leader Adhav Arjuna summarized the situation with one word: "Victory" [5].
The move by the VCK provides the necessary legislative bridge for Vijay to transition from a party leader to the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. This support comes after days of negotiations following the hung assembly result.
“The VCK announced its support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to help form a government in Tamil Nadu.”
The alliance between the TVK and VCK signals a shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, where a new entrant has disrupted the traditional dominance of larger parties. By securing the support of a socially influential party like the VCK, Vijay stabilizes his claim to power and prevents a potential stalemate that could have led to further electoral volatility or a different coalition under the DMK or AIADMK.
