Tamil Nadu government formation suspense deepens as DMK AIADMK alliance buzz grows over Vijay claim
Political uncertainty continued in Tamil Nadu on Friday, three days after actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party in the 2026 Assembly elections with 108 seats in the 234-member House.
With the majority mark set at 118, the delay in government formation has triggered intense political negotiations, allegations and speculation over possible alliances.
Although the TVK initially appeared set to stake claim to form the government with conditional support from the Congress, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is reportedly unconvinced that Vijay currently has the numbers required to prove a majority.
Amid the stalemate, speculation has intensified over a possible alliance between long-time Dravidian rivals DMK and AIADMK to prevent Vijay from coming to power.
Sources indicated that the proposed arrangement may require support or neutrality from Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). Both camps are reportedly holding internal discussions before taking a final call.
The CPM held a key state secretariat meeting on Friday and is expected to announce its position later in the day.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan publicly dismissed the possibility of an alliance with AIADMK, calling the two parties “major enemies” in Tamil Nadu politics. However, reports suggested that backchannel talks may still be underway.
Sources also claimed that the DMK has asked AIADMK to sever ties with the BJP if any political understanding is to be considered.
DMK president MK Stalin held discussions with senior party leaders, including TR Balu, KN Nehru and Ponmudi, at the party headquarters in Chennai amid the evolving political situation.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders strongly defended Vijay’s claim to form the government as leader of the single-largest party.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said constitutional convention required the Governor to invite the leader of the single-largest party to form the government and test majority on the Assembly floor.
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi also criticised the Governor, accusing him of undermining democratic norms by refusing to immediately invite Vijay to form the government.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee leaders accused the BJP and the Governor of attempting to block TVK’s “rightful democratic opportunity” through political manoeuvring.
The political atmosphere further intensified after reports emerged that all 107 TVK MLAs could resign if either DMK or AIADMK attempts to form the government without TVK participation.
TVK leaders and newly elected MLAs met at the party headquarters in Chennai to discuss coalition strategy and ways to counter any possible political realignment.
Several actors also came out in support of Vijay. Actor Vishal warned that any arrangement excluding TVK from power could trigger public backlash, while actor Sibi Sathyaraj said the people’s mandate must be respected.
Meanwhile, BJP general secretary BL Santhosh took a swipe at the Congress, saying the party would eventually “end up with egg on its face” over the Tamil Nadu political developments.
The uncertainty has created one of the most dramatic post-election situations in Tamil Nadu politics in recent decades, with all major parties weighing their next moves carefully.
