Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) President K.M. Kader Mohideen on Saturday, 9 May formally extended support to Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government in Tamil Nadu, stressing that the move was aimed solely at preserving the state's democratic traditions and preventing a constitutional vacuum. With Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) also joining the chorus, TVK is now understood to have secured the backing of 120 legislators, clearing the path for Vijay to stake his claim before Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

Why IUML Extended Support

Mohideen was candid about the circumstances. He acknowledged that he had expected the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance to secure a majority, but said the electorate had delivered a different verdict. "But the electorate has chosen the Vijay-led TVK with a large majority," he said.

The IUML chief clarified that support was being extended not to the party itself but specifically to enable government formation. "Parties in alliance with the DMK were approached by the TVK," Mohideen noted, adding that after taking into account the interest shown by fellow members of the Secular Progressive Alliance, the IUML decided to follow suit. He also said the situation had been explained to DMK leader M.K. Stalin and other senior leaders before the decision was announced.

The President's Rule Warning

Mohideen framed the support in constitutional terms, warning that a failure to form a government could plunge Tamil Nadu into President's rule, creating confusion and instability. "Therefore, in order to preserve the democratic traditions of Tamil Nadu, it is the duty of every political party to extend support for the formation of the government," he said. He was careful to underline that this support was for the act of government formation, not an endorsement of TVK's political programme.

VCK Offers Unconditional Backing

VCK President Thol. Thirumavalavan announced his party's decision following high-level internal discussions. Notably, VCK mirrored the position taken by CPI and CPI-M a day earlier on Friday, offering what he described as fully unconditional support. "VCK has extended unconditional support to TVK without any participation in the Ministry or any other terms and conditions," Thirumavalavan told reporters.

What Happens Next

With IUML and VCK now formally on board, TVK's tally of supporting legislators is understood to have reached 120, which is widely seen as sufficient to approach the Governor with a claim to form the government. The next step is expected to be a formal meeting between Vijay and Governor Rajendra Arlekar. This comes amid a broader realignment of Tamil Nadu's political landscape, with former DMK alliance partners pivoting toward the newly dominant TVK without formally breaking from their old coalition.