TVK's Vijay meets Governor 4th time to stake claim in Tamil Nadu
Synopsis
Actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK has crossed the 118-seat majority threshold in Tamil Nadu after VCK and IUML formally backed the party, giving it 120 legislators. Vijay met the Governor for the fourth consecutive day to stake his claim — setting the stage for what would be a historic first government for a party that only recently entered electoral politics.
Key Takeaways
Joseph Vijay met Governor-in-Charge Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on 9 May to stake a claim for government formation in Tamil Nadu — his fourth such meeting in four days.
VCK and IUML formally extended support to TVK, pushing its tally to 120 legislators , surpassing the majority mark of 118 MLAs .
TVK had won 108 seats in the 23 April election, with results declared on 4 May , emerging as the single-largest party.
CPI and CPI-M had earlier announced backing for TVK before VCK's decision became the decisive factor.
TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna displayed the support document before reporters, asserting Vijay would soon be sworn in as Chief Minister.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C. Joseph Vijay met Governor-in-Charge Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday, 9 May to formally stake a claim for government formation in Tamil Nadu, marking his fourth meeting with the Governor in as many days. The development follows the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) formally extending its support to TVK, pushing the party past the majority mark of 118 MLAs required in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly.
How TVK Crossed the Majority Mark
Tamil Nadu went to the polls for all 234 Assembly constituencies in a single phase on 23 April. Results declared on 4 May saw TVK emerge as the single-largest party with 108 seats, initially falling short of the majority mark. The Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) had already announced their backing for TVK, but political attention remained firmly fixed on the VCK's final decision. With VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) now formally extending support, TVK is understood to have secured the backing of 120 legislators, clearing the path to government formation.
The Governor Meeting and What Was Submitted
Sources said Vijay sought an urgent appointment with Governor Arlekar before the latter's likely departure to Kerala. The meeting focused on submitting letters of support from allied parties and independent legislators. TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna later displayed the support document before reporters and asserted that Vijay would soon take the oath as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The Political Contest That Led Here
The election witnessed a fierce four-cornered contest involving the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and TVK. After results day, intense political negotiations began in Chennai, with TVK initiating talks with several parties and independent legislators. This is the first time TVK — a party that only recently entered electoral politics under the leadership of actor-turned-politician Vijay — has contested a state election, making its emergence as the single-largest party a significant political milestone in Tamil Nadu's history.
Celebrations and What Comes Next
The dramatic developments triggered celebrations among TVK supporters across the state. Political observers are closely monitoring Raj Bhavan for the Governor's next move amid the rapidly evolving government formation process. The Governor's formal invitation to TVK to form the government — and the subsequent swearing-in ceremony — is expected to follow in the coming days, pending constitutional formalities.
Point of View
TVK's government claim would have remained on paper. What is less discussed is the speed of these negotiations, which suggests back-channel groundwork was laid well before results day. The Governor's response — and whether there is any delay in extending an invitation — will itself be politically telling in a state where Raj Bhavan relations have historically been contentious.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has TVK secured enough support to form the government in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. With VCK and IUML formally extending support, TVK is understood to have secured the backing of 120 legislators, crossing the majority mark of 118 MLAs in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly. TVK chief Vijay has formally staked his claim with the Governor.
How many seats did TVK win in the Tamil Nadu election?
TVK won 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election held on 23 April, with results declared on 4 May. It emerged as the single-largest party but initially fell short of the 118-seat majority mark.
Which parties have extended support to TVK for government formation?
The CPI, CPI-M, VCK, and IUML have all extended support to TVK. Together with TVK's own 108 MLAs and backing from some independent legislators, the alliance is reported to command 120 seats.
Who is the Governor of Tamil Nadu handling the government formation process?
Governor-in-Charge Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is overseeing the government formation process. Vijay met him on 9 May — for the fourth time in four days — to formally submit letters of support and stake his claim to form the government.
When could Vijay be sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?
A specific date has not been officially announced, but TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna stated that Vijay would soon take the oath as Chief Minister. The swearing-in is expected to follow after the Governor formally invites TVK to form the government.
