Tamil film star Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, met Governor Rajendra Arlekar on May 9, 2026, to form a government [5].
The move marks a significant shift in regional power, as a cinema icon transitions into the state's highest executive office through a strategic coalition.
Vijay met the governor at Lok Bhavan in Chennai to stake his claim to the chief ministership [3]. The TVK won 108 seats in the assembly election held on April 23, 2026 [1, 4], a result that left the party short of the 118-seat majority required in the 234-member assembly [4].
To bridge this gap, Vijay secured backing from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), and other allied parties [1, 2]. Reports said that support from 120 MLAs was announced for the government claim [2].
The coalition arrangement includes specific concessions for partners. Congress was offered one Rajya Sabha seat and two ministerial berths as part of the agreement [2].
While the VCK and TNCC have confirmed their support, other reports on the coalition's composition vary. Some sources said the IUML backs the TVK, while other reports said the IUML denies providing support [1, 3].
Vijay is now poised to be sworn in as chief minister after securing the legislative majority through these alliances [3].
“Vijay met Governor Rajendra Arlekar on May 9, 2026, to form a government”
The formation of a TVK-led government represents a successful entry of a new political entity into the Tamil Nadu landscape, disrupting the traditional dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. By securing a coalition of 120 MLAs, Vijay has navigated the transition from celebrity to statesman, though the reliance on allies like the VCK and Congress suggests a governing period defined by negotiation and power-sharing.
