Actor Vijay, running under the TVK banner, has claimed a majority in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly to become the next chief minister.
This transition marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape as a cinema star successfully converts mass popularity into a governing mandate. The move follows four days of post-election unrest during the assembly count.
Vijay has secured the backing of 121 MLAs [1], surpassing the 118-seat threshold required for a majority in the assembly [2]. This number was achieved through strategic alliances with smaller political entities, including the VCK, and Left parties such as the CPI and CPM [3].
Supporters gathered around Vijay's home in Chennai to celebrate the result. Similar victory chants were reported in the Perambur and Trichy East constituencies [4], both of which Vijay won during the election cycle [4].
Negotiations regarding the composition of the new cabinet are ongoing. According to reports, the VCK is expected to receive one ministerial post [5]. There are conflicting reports regarding the involvement of the Left parties; some sources said the CPI and CPM will be allocated two ministerial posts [5], while other reports said the Left will not be included in the cabinet [6].
Vijay's path to power relied on these coalition partners to bridge the gap to the majority mark. The support from the VCK and Left parties provided the additional seats necessary to finalize the claim to form the government [3].
“Vijay has secured the backing of 121 MLAs”
The emergence of Vijay as chief minister signals the continued influence of cinema in Tamil Nadu politics, but with a new party structure. By securing a coalition with the VCK and Left parties, Vijay has moved from a populist challenger to a pragmatic administrator, though the disagreement over cabinet posts for the Left suggests potential friction in the early days of his coalition government.
