CPI backs Vijay's TVK for Tamil Nadu government formation
Synopsis
With the CPI's two MLAs formally backing C. Joseph Vijay's TVK, the alliance has reached 114 seats in Tamil Nadu's 234-member House — just four short of the majority mark of 118. The rapidly shifting alliances following the April 23 polls are now putting smaller parties and independents under mounting pressure to pick a side.
Key Takeaways
The Communist Party of India (CPI) formally extended unconditional support to C.
Joseph Vijay 's TVK on 8 May 2025 .
The support letter was submitted to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar by CPI Legislature Party leader T.
TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after the April 23 elections.
With Congress and CPI backing, Vijay's combine now commands 114 seats , against a majority mark of 118 .
Governor Arlekar is expected to continue consultations before inviting any formation to form the government.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Friday, 8 May formally extended unconditional support to actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for government formation in Tamil Nadu, bringing Vijay's alliance within striking distance of the majority mark. The support was conveyed through a letter submitted to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar by CPI Legislature Party leader in the Assembly, T. Ramachandran.
What the CPI Letter Said
The letter stated that the decision was taken under the instructions of the CPI state leadership and in keeping with the mandate delivered by the people in the recently concluded Assembly elections. The CPI Legislature Party, which comprises two members, declared it was extending
Point of View
A party that did not exist before 2024, now leads a credible government-formation bid — a remarkable political ascent. The four-seat gap to majority, however, keeps the outcome uncertain, and the Governor's pace of consultations will be as consequential as any alliance arithmetic. Smaller parties and independents now hold disproportionate leverage, and their choices in the coming days will define Tamil Nadu's political direction for the next five years.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the CPI extend support to TVK in Tamil Nadu?
The CPI stated that its decision was taken under instructions from its state leadership and in keeping with the people's mandate from the April 23 Assembly elections. The party said it aims to ensure the formation of a stable, democratic, and people-oriented government in Tamil Nadu.
How many seats does Vijay's TVK alliance now have in Tamil Nadu?
With the CPI's two MLAs and earlier support from the Congress, Vijay's TVK-led combine now has approximately 114 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. The majority mark required to form the government is 118 seats.
What was the Tamil Nadu election result declared on May 4?
The Tamil Nadu Assembly election results, declared on 4 May 2025, produced a hung Assembly. TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, with no party or pre-poll alliance securing an outright majority in the 234-member House.
What role does the Governor play in Tamil Nadu government formation?
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is expected to consult political parties and, once satisfied about a party or alliance's majority claim, invite it to form the government and prove its majority on the floor of the House.
Was the CPI previously aligned with the DMK in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, the CPI was a member of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance before the elections. Its decision to back TVK marks a significant post-poll realignment in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
