Vijay, chief of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (TVK), has secured the 118 seats required to form a government in Tamil Nadu [1], [2].
The development marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, as a new party successfully navigates the coalition process to take power. This transition follows the 2026 assembly elections in the 234-member house [2].
To reach the majority mark, TVK secured the backing of several key political entities [3], [4]. The party won 108 seats in the election [6]. To bridge the gap to the required 118 [1], TVK obtained support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], and the Congress party [2], [4].
Breakdowns of the coalition support show that the VCK provided two seats [7], while the CPI and CPI(M) each contributed two seats [8], [9]. Additionally, five members from the Congress party extended their support to the TVK chief [10].
While some reports earlier this month indicated that TVK was struggling to secure the necessary numbers, recent confirmations state that the party has passed its first political test [1]. The governor has given the nod for Vijay to become the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu [2].
Supporters of the party have celebrated the news at TVK headquarters, reflecting the party's rise from a debutant to the leading force in the assembly [11]. The transition of power is expected to proceed with an oath-taking ceremony following the governor's approval [4].
“Vijay, chief of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (TVK), has secured the 118 seats required to form a government.”
The ascent of Vijay and the TVK represents a disruption of the traditional dominance of the DMK and ADMK in Tamil Nadu. By assembling a diverse coalition of left-wing and centrist parties, TVK has transitioned from a cinematic-led populist movement to a legitimate governing authority, signaling a potential realignment of power in southern India.
