Tamil Nadu CM oath ceremony: TVK gets VCK backing, Governor skips Vijay meet

Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) moved closer to forming a coalition government in Tamil Nadu on Saturday after receiving support from two Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLAs.

VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan formally handed over a letter of support to TVK General Secretary (Election Campaign Management) Aadhav Arjuna, confirming the party’s backing.

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Majority mark within reach

With VCK’s unconditional support, TVK’s prospects of forming government have strengthened further. The party, along with backing from Congress, CPI, CPI(M) and VCK, now takes the alliance tally to 119 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly. The majority mark stands at 118.

TVK chief Vijay, who won from two constituencies, is expected to resign from one seat, reducing the party’s effective strength to 107. After his resignation, the combined strength of TVK and supporting parties is expected to remain at 118 MLAs.

Governor cancels meeting with Vijay

Meanwhile, TVK chief Vijay was expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar along with letters of support from allied parties to formally stake claim to form the government. However, Lok Bhavan sources told HT that the Governor has cancelled the scheduled meeting for today.

Earlier reports had indicated that Vijay was on his way to meet the Governor after his party and allies reportedly crossed the majority mark required to form government.

The Governor had previously not invited Vijay to stake claim, citing insufficient proof of majority support submitted by TVK at the time.

VCK formalises backing

In his letter to the Governor, Thirumavalavan said the decision was taken in the interest of stable and democratic governance following the April 23, 2026 Assembly elections.

“I request Your Excellency to take on record my unconditional support,” the letter stated.

Political milestone

TVK emerged as the single largest party in its electoral debut with 108 seats but fell short of a simple majority. With current support, the party has now crossed the threshold needed to form government.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore confirmed the development in a post on X, stating, “118 reached.”

If sworn in, Vijay would become the first leader outside the DMK-AIADMK political dominance to head the Tamil Nadu government since 1967.