Joseph Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), met with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Friday evening to stake a claim to form the state government [1, 3].
The meeting follows a significant debut for the TVK in the assembly elections. Because the party did not reach the 117-seat threshold for an outright majority, Vijay must secure alliances with other parties to stabilize his administration [1, 2].
TVK won 108 seats in the assembly elections [1]. While this total falls short of a clear majority, the party has sought support from other political entities to bridge the gap [2]. The Communist Party of India (CPI) said that although the people did not deliver a clear mandate, TVK emerged with 108 seats, providing the basis for Vijay to meet the governor [1].
Additional support has emerged from the Congress party, which won five seats [2]. This brings the combined tally of the brewing alliance to 112 seats [2]. Other sources indicate that the VCK, CPM, and CPI have also extended support to help TVK secure the necessary numbers [3].
The meeting with Governor Arlekar took place around 6 p.m. on Friday [1]. Supporters gathered outside Vijay's home in Chennai, where chants were heard as the government formation process unfolded [1, 3].
An oath-taking ceremony is slated for 11 a.m. on May 9, 2026 [2, 3]. However, reports on the Governor's final stance vary. Some sources suggest the Governor remains firm on seeking verified numbers from Vijay before proceeding, while others imply the meeting indicates a readiness to move forward with the swearing-in [1, 3].
"The Governor must act in line with the Constitution," the CPI said regarding the mandate and the claim to form the government [1].
“TVK won 108 seats in the Assembly elections”
The emergence of TVK as a dominant force in Tamil Nadu disrupts the traditional bipolar contest between the DMK and AIADMK. By securing 108 seats, Joseph Vijay has positioned himself as the primary power broker in the state, though his reliance on a coalition of left-wing and centrist parties—including the CPI and Congress—means his governance agenda will likely require significant compromise to maintain stability.
