Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), won 108 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election [1].

The result places TVK as the largest single party in the assembly, but leaves the party without the unilateral power to govern. Because the party did not reach the majority threshold, Vijay must now negotiate with other political entities to form a stable government.

To secure a majority in the 234-seat assembly [2], a party or coalition must control at least 118 seats [3]. With 108 seats [1], TVK is 10 seats short of the mark required to appoint a chief minister without external support.

This shortfall forces the party into the complex arena of coalition politics. TVK must now seek partners among the remaining parties to bridge the gap. Potential allies include the AIADMK, and various smaller parties that hold the remaining seats in the legislature.

These negotiations are expected to be fragile, as the party attempts to maintain its policy identity while offering concessions to partners. The outcome of these talks will determine whether Vijay can transition from a cinematic icon to the leader of the state government.

The 2026 election marks a significant shift in the regional power dynamics of Tamil Nadu. By securing 108 seats [1], TVK has disrupted the traditional dominance of established political blocs, though the lack of a full majority means the party cannot yet claim total control.

TVK won 108 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election

The election results indicate a significant appetite for a political alternative in Tamil Nadu, elevating Vijay's TVK to the position of the largest party. However, the failure to reach 118 seats means the party's actual power will be limited by the demands of coalition partners. The stability of the next government will depend on whether TVK can find a compatible partner without alienating its own voter base.