Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M.A. Baby on Saturday, 9 May dismissed speculation about a possible DMK-AIADMK alliance as "mere rumours", asserting that the mandate of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections clearly favoured the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Assembly. Baby made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Madurai, as intense post-poll negotiations continue across the state.

Election Verdict and TVK's Position

Baby stated that the election outcome was an unambiguous rejection of both the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). He noted that TVK had emerged as the single-largest party, though it remains 11 seats short of the majority mark in the Assembly.

"The people have given a decisive verdict in favour of change. TVK has emerged as the single-largest party, though it remains 11 seats short of the majority mark. The mandate is clearly against both the DMK government and the AIADMK opposition," Baby said.

CPI(M) Criticises Tamil Nadu Governor

Baby accused Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar of acting contrary to established democratic conventions by delaying an invitation to TVK to stake a claim to form the government. He argued that constitutional practice clearly requires the Governor to first invite the single-largest party, regardless of whether it commands an outright majority.

Invoking historical precedent, Baby pointed to the 1990s, when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was invited to form the government without having the required numbers at the time. "Constitutional conventions are clear on this matter," he said.

Allegations of Central Government Interference

The CPI(M) leader further alleged that the Union government was attempting to influence political developments in Tamil Nadu through what he described as "backdoor political manoeuvres". He claimed reports were emerging about efforts to manipulate the post-poll situation in order to install a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-backed government in the state, despite the electoral outcome.

This comes amid a broader pattern of Centre-state tensions in southern India, where opposition-ruled states have frequently alleged federal overreach through gubernatorial appointments and delayed assents to legislation.

Political Consultations Underway

Baby's remarks come at a time when several parties are actively weighing their options on extending support to TVK. The post-election landscape in Tamil Nadu remains fluid, with multiple regional players engaged in consultations. The CPI(M)'s public stance adds pressure on the Governor to act swiftly and in accordance with constitutional norms, as any further delay risks deepening political uncertainty in the state.

How the Governor responds in the coming days is likely to shape the trajectory of government formation in Tamil Nadu and could set a precedent for how hung-assembly outcomes are handled in future state elections.