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Vijay to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu government after Left, VCK backing

TVK chief Vijay is likely to meet Governor RV Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the Tamil Nadu government after securing fresh backing.

By Sarwesh Sri Bardhan

May 08, 2026 17:00 IST

After four days of uncertainty following Tamil Nadu’s election verdict, TVK chief Vijay is likely to meet Governor RV Arlekar again on Friday evening. The workable time could be 6 pm. Vijay will stake claim to form the government in the state, often referred to as the “Detroit of Asia.”

The actor-turned-politician has now crossed the majority mark after securing additional support from the Left and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), according to sources cited by NDTV.

Also Read | Vijay's TVK warns all 107 MLAs may quit over possible DMK-AIADMK coalition

Numbers finally click as Vijay heads back to Raj Bhavan

The latest development follows a tense spell in which Governor Arlekar declined to invite Vijay to form the government without confirmation of majority support.

Vijay had met the governor on Wednesday and Thursday but was told he could not run a government of 113 MLAs when the House majority stands at 118. Arlekar had asked for letters of support from 118 MLA-elects.

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TVK’s big win still needed a few more hands to cross the line

Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam won 108 of the 234 seats in last month’s election, setting off political speculation across the state.

However, the party did not immediately have the numbers needed to translate the victory into a government, with Vijay initially holding 107 supporters excluding himself.

He needed at least 10 more seats, or 11 more, because he contested two constituencies—Trichy (East) and Perambur—and would have to resign from one before taking office.

Left, VCK support flips the power math in Vijay’s favour

Vijay had already secured five supporters from Congress, while talks were also under way with the VCK, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Communist Party of India.

By Friday afternoon, the VCK and the Left had chosen to back Vijay, giving him the exact numbers he needed.

Outside his Chennai residence, chants of “TVK, TVK” were heard as word of the support shifted the political equation in his favor.

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