TVK chief Vijay has asked the Indian National Congress for support to form the Tamil Nadu state government following the 2026 assembly elections [1].
The move signals a potential shift in the state's political alignment as the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) attempts to secure a majority through a secular coalition. If successful, this alliance could block the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its partners from gaining power in the region [2].
Vijay, an actor-turned politician, is navigating a complex post-election landscape. While some reports indicate TVK won 108 seats [3], other accounts suggest the party fell short of a majority and requires allies to govern [4]. This disparity underscores the volatility of the current race for power in Tamil Nadu.
S A Chandrasekhar, the father of Vijay, has pitched the partnership to Congress leadership. "Ally with us, Vijay will give the power you lost," Chandrasekhar said [5].
K. C. Venugopal, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, addressed the possibility of a partnership by focusing on the ideological requirements of the state. "The mandate in the state is for a secular government committed to protecting the Constitution," Venugopal said [6].
During the campaign, Vijay focused on social welfare to attract voters. His platform included a promise of Rs 2,500 per month for women under 60 years of age [7]. He also pledged to provide six free LPG cylinders per household [7].
The push for a coalition comes as the TVK seeks to establish itself as a primary political force in the state. By aligning with the Congress, Vijay aims to create a front capable of maintaining a secular administration, while leveraging his party's electoral gains [2].
“"The mandate in the state is for a secular government committed to protecting the Constitution."”
The attempt to form a coalition between the TVK and the Indian National Congress reflects a strategic effort to consolidate secular votes in Tamil Nadu. By positioning himself as a protector of the Constitution, Vijay is attempting to bridge the gap between his party's electoral performance and the threshold required to govern, while simultaneously preventing the BJP from establishing a foothold in the state.
