PMK's Ramadoss urges TN Governor to invite Vijay to form govt
Synopsis
PMK founder Ramadoss has gone public with a direct appeal to VCK's Thirumavalavan to back C. Joseph Vijay as Tamil Nadu's next Chief Minister. With Congress and the Left already in the Vijay camp, VCK's decision could be the tipping point that determines whether Tamil Nadu gets a stable government or slides deeper into political limbo.
Key Takeaways
Ramadoss on 9 May urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to invite TVK chief C.
Joseph Vijay to form the Tamil Nadu government.
TVK is the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly but has not secured a majority on its own.
Congress and Left parties have already signalled support to the TVK -led formation.
Ramadoss made a direct appeal to VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan to extend support to TVK .
VCK's stand is now seen as potentially decisive for government formation in Tamil Nadu .
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr. S. Ramadoss on Saturday, 9 May urged Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to immediately invite Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C. Joseph Vijay to form the government, citing the extraordinary political uncertainty gripping the state following the Assembly election results. The statement, issued from Chennai, stressed that the democratic mandate delivered by the people must be honoured without further delay.
Political Uncertainty After Assembly Results
TVK has emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly but has fallen short of the majority mark required to independently stake a claim to power. The declaration of results has triggered intense political negotiations, with Vijay's party in active discussions with several Opposition parties and alliance partners to secure the numbers needed to form the government. The continuing uncertainty has placed the spotlight on the Governor's constitutional role in inviting the single largest party to prove its majority.
What Ramadoss Said
The veteran PMK leader was unequivocal in his demand. "Everyone has a duty to bow before the people's verdict. The process of government formation should not be delayed under any circumstances. The Governor must immediately invite TVK to form the government," he said. He further noted that the Indian National Congress (Congress) and the Left parties had already extended or signalled their support to the Vijay-led formation in the interest of political stability, and called on remaining parties to follow suit.
Direct Appeal to VCK President Thirumavalavan
The most pointed element of Ramadoss's statement was a direct appeal to Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan to extend support to TVK. Describing Thirumavalavan as his "younger brother," Ramadoss made both an emotional and political appeal. "I earnestly request my younger brother Thirumavalavan to immediately support TVK. Such a decision would honour the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu and pave the way for the formation of a new government," he stated. He added that if Thirumavalavan extended support, the Governor should formally invite Vijay and administer the oath of office to him as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
What Happens Next
All eyes are now on the VCK leadership, whose decision could prove decisive in determining whether TVK crosses the majority threshold. Should VCK extend support, TVK would be better positioned to approach Governor Arlekar with a credible majority claim. Constitutional convention would then require the Governor to invite the single largest party to demonstrate its majority on the floor of the House. The coming days are expected to be decisive for the political future of Tamil Nadu.
Point of View
The PMK founder is applying social and political pressure on VCK in a way a formal communique cannot. Both PMK and VCK speak to Tamil Nadu's Dalit constituencies, and those voters are watching closely. If Thirumavalavan refuses and government formation stalls, the political cost could fall on VCK — and Ramadoss, by going public first, has ensured the onus is squarely on his younger brother to respond.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tamil Nadu facing political uncertainty over government formation?
TVK, led by C. Joseph Vijay, emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly but fell short of the majority mark, triggering negotiations with multiple parties to secure enough support to form a stable government.
What did Ramadoss ask the Tamil Nadu Governor to do?
Ramadoss urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to immediately invite TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay to form the government, arguing that the democratic mandate must be respected without delay and that the single largest party should be given the opportunity to govern.
Why did Ramadoss appeal directly to VCK president Thirumavalavan?
Ramadoss made a direct public appeal to VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan, calling him his younger brother, to extend support to TVK. He argued such a move would reflect the aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu and pave the way for a stable government.
Which parties have already signalled support to TVK?
Congress and the Left parties have already extended or signalled support to the TVK-led formation. VCK's stand remains the key variable in the government formation arithmetic.
What happens if VCK extends support to TVK?
If VCK extends support, TVK would be better positioned to approach the Governor with a credible majority claim, potentially enabling C. Joseph Vijay to be sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
