VCK to declare TVK support decision at 4 PM today, Vijay 2 MLAs short
Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's government formation drama is down to a single announcement. VCK's 4 PM decision could hand actor-politician Vijay the numbers he needs — just two MLAs short of majority — and potentially trigger a swearing-in as early as Saturday evening, in what would be a seismic shift in the state's political order.
Key Takeaways
VCK will announce its decision on backing TVK's government formation bid at 4 PM on 9 May .
TVK won 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election on 23 April , emerging as the single-largest party in the 234-member house.
TVK reportedly needs just two more MLAs to comfortably cross the majority mark.
Congress and Left parties have already extended outside support to TVK.
TVK leaders formally wrote to VCK President Thol.
Thirumavalavan seeking support.
A favourable VCK decision could pave the way for C.
Joseph Vijay to be sworn in as Chief Minister as early as Saturday evening.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) on Saturday, 9 May announced it would declare its position on supporting the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government formation bid at 4 PM today, as Tamil Nadu's post-election political negotiations entered a decisive phase in Chennai. The announcement is being closely watched across the state as actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay's TVK inches closer to the majority mark needed to form the next government in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Where the Numbers Stand
TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election held on 23 April, winning 108 seats and dramatically reshaping the state's political landscape. According to party sources, TVK now requires the support of just two more MLAs to comfortably cross the halfway mark. The Congress and Left parties have already extended outside support to TVK, strengthening Vijay's claim — but uncertainty has persisted over whether the consolidated numbers are sufficient for Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to formally invite TVK to form the government.
TVK's Outreach to VCK
According to party sources, TVK leaders formally reached out to VCK President Thol. Thirumavalavan, seeking backing for government formation. A letter requesting support was reportedly sent to the VCK leadership on TVK's behalf as efforts to consolidate numbers gathered pace in Chennai. Senior VCK leaders held internal consultations ahead of the scheduled announcement, with party cadres and political observers awaiting clarity on the party's final position.
Why VCK's Stand Is Decisive
The Tamil Nadu Assembly election on 23 April produced a fractured mandate, with no single party securing an outright majority. TVK's 108 seats made it the frontrunner, but the arithmetic remains tight. VCK's support could prove crucial in determining whether Vijay receives the Governor's invitation to form the government. Political circles across the state are closely monitoring the party's stance, given that a favourable announcement could potentially pave the way for Vijay to take oath as Chief Minister as early as Saturday evening.
What Happens Next
While no official confirmation has been issued regarding a swearing-in ceremony, hectic political negotiations continued through the day in Chennai. The VCK's 4 PM announcement is now widely expected to play a decisive role in shaping the composition of Tamil Nadu's next government. If VCK extends support, the remaining arithmetic could fall into place quickly, setting the stage for formal government formation proceedings.
Point of View
Even a party without a dominant seat tally holds outsized leverage. Thirumavalavan has historically used such moments to extract programmatic commitments on Dalit rights and social justice — and there is little reason to believe this negotiation is purely transactional. The more consequential question is what VCK secures in return, not just whether it says yes. Tamil Nadu's political history is littered with outside-support arrangements that unravelled when those commitments went unfulfilled. If Vijay does become Chief Minister, the terms of VCK's backing — written or otherwise — will define the durability of his government far more than the seat count does.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VCK announcing at 4 PM on 9 May?
VCK is set to declare whether it will extend support to TVK's bid to form the next government in Tamil Nadu. The announcement by VCK President Thol. Thirumavalavan is expected to be decisive in determining whether C. Joseph Vijay gets the numbers needed to be invited by the Governor to form the government.
How many seats does TVK have in the Tamil Nadu Assembly?
TVK won 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election held on 23 April, making it the single-largest party in the 234-member house. It reportedly needs the support of just two more MLAs to comfortably cross the majority mark.
Who has already extended support to TVK?
Congress and the Left parties have already extended outside support to TVK, strengthening C. Joseph Vijay's claim to form the government. VCK's backing, if announced, could provide the remaining numbers needed.
Could Vijay be sworn in as Chief Minister on Saturday itself?
Speculation is rife that a favourable VCK announcement could pave the way for Vijay to take oath as Chief Minister as early as Saturday evening. However, no official confirmation of a swearing-in ceremony has been issued as of the time of reporting.
What was the outcome of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2025?
The Tamil Nadu Assembly election held on 23 April produced a fractured mandate with no single party winning an outright majority in the 234-member assembly. TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats, positioning Vijay at the centre of government formation negotiations.
