Central intelligence agencies have reportedly alerted the Tamil Nadu Police to strengthen security arrangements across key locations in the state, amid rising political uncertainty following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election results and the prolonged delay in government formation. The advisory, issued on 7 May, comes as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay has so far been unable to secure the numbers required to form the government in the 234-member Assembly.

Security Advisory and Law-and-Order Concerns

According to sources, intelligence agencies warned of possible law-and-order issues if the ongoing political deadlock continues. Security has reportedly been tightened in Chennai and other sensitive districts as a precautionary measure in view of the tense political atmosphere. Officials have not issued a formal public statement on the nature or scale of the security deployment.

Vijay Meets Governor, Falls Short of Majority

On Wednesday evening, Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor R.V. Arlekar at Raj Bhavan in Chennai and formally staked a claim to form the next government. He reportedly submitted a list of 113 supporting MLAs — comprising 108 TVK legislators and five Congress MLAs who extended support to the party. However, sources indicated that Governor Arlekar informed Vijay that support from at least 118 MLAs would be required before he could be invited to form the government. This has cast uncertainty over Vijay's immediate prospects of becoming Chief Minister and delayed what was widely expected to be a historic swearing-in ceremony.

Alliance Talks Stall, Rivals Sense an Opening

TVK leaders had initially expected support from parties such as the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Left parties, and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). However, negotiations have reportedly stalled, with those parties stepping back from alliance discussions, leaving TVK short of the majority mark of 118. The rapidly shifting political situation triggered fresh speculation across Tamil Nadu late on Wednesday night, with reports suggesting that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) could attempt to form a government with outside support from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) if Vijay fails to secure a majority. Notably, this would represent an extraordinary political realignment between two historically rival parties.

DMK Opts for Opposition, Rajinikanth Adds to Speculation

Senior leaders from both the DMK and AIADMK held separate rounds of consultations for several hours amid the uncertainty. However, in a late-night statement, the DMK clarified that it preferred to remain in opposition, abiding by the people's verdict. Separately, actor Rajinikanth's meeting with DMK president and outgoing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin intensified political speculation, though neither side has officially commented on the nature of the discussions. The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election has emerged as a major turning point in the state's political history, with the newly launched TVK emerging as the single largest party by winning 108 seats. All eyes are now on whether Vijay can bridge the numbers gap in the coming hours, or whether the Governor will open the floor to alternative claimants.