Tamil Nadu govt formation highlights: TVK's Vijay set for historic oath ceremony today, Rahul Gandhi to attend

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar meets TVK chief Vijay in connection with securing an invite from the latter to form the government, at the Lok Bhavan, in Chennai, Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Tamil Nadu govt formation highlights: Updates to this blog have ended, follow here for latest news. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is set to take oath as Tamil Nadu chief minister today. The government took shape following lengthy talks with smaller parties that were determined to keep the BJP and AIADMK out of the power structure in the state.

Once sworn in, Vijay will become the first leader outside the DMK and AIADMK camps to lead the Tamil Nadu government since 1967.

This comes after Vijay met met Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar at Lok Bhavan after his party secured the majority mark to form the government. The governor reportedly cancelled his Kerala trip and met Vijay, ending the suspense on Tamil Nadu government formation.

The Vijay-led TVK claimed ‘victory’ earlier in the day as senior party leader Aadhav Arjuna showed a letter of support from the VCK. IUML, a DMK ally, also extended support to TVK, pushing its strength to 120, while the Tamil Nadu halfway mark is 118.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam won 108 seats on its own, emerging as the single-largest party in the election.

The party currently has support from:

• 5 Congress MLAs
• 2 CPI MLAs
• 2 CPI(M) MLAs
• 2 IUML MLAs
• 2 VCK MLAs

However, Vijay won from two constituencies and must vacate one seat within 14 days after the results are formally notified. As things stand, the grouping is effectively at 120.

Left parties extend support, VCK remains undecided

The CPI and CPI(M), which have two MLAs each, formally extended support to TVK and handed over letters backing the party.

But uncertainty continued over the stand of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). HT Sources said no support letter from the VCK was part of the memorandum submitted by TVK to the Governor on Friday.

CPI state secretary M Veerapandian, however, suggested that VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan had already indicated support if the Left parties backed TVK.

“TVK approached CPI, CPI(M) and VCK. We had our party meeting. It’s normal in a democracy to have ups and downs. Tamil Nadu people have supported and decided to elect TVK. We have taken a decision in a democratic way,” Veerapandian said.

CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam said the Left parties decided to support TVK to avoid prolonged uncertainty in the state.

“Since if the government is not formed by the 10th, then President’s Rule will come. And the BJP is trying to enter Tamil Nadu through the back door. So, to end this, CPI and CPI(M) have decided to support TVK,” he said.

Shanmugam also clarified that the Left parties would support the government from outside and would not seek cabinet positions.

Congress wants to join government

The Indian National Congress indicated that it wants to be part of the government rather than offer outside support.

Tamil Nadu Congress chief K Selvaperunthagai said TVK had offered the party two ministerial berths and one Rajya Sabha seat.

“They (TVK) have said two ministers and one Rajya Sabha member. However, the final decision on the number of portfolios and specific demands rests with the Congress national leadership,” he said.

At the same time, a social media post by VCK deputy general secretary Vanni Arasu demanded the post of deputy chief minister along with a cabinet berth for the party, adding another layer to the negotiations.

IUML denies supporting TVK

Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League denied reports that it had backed TVK.

IUML leader AM Shahjahan dismissed speculation about support letters and reaffirmed the party’s alignment with the DMK-led alliance.

“We did not support anybody. We did not give any letter to anybody. All these are rumours. We are continuing in the alliance under the leadership of DMK,” he told reporters.

Asked whether the party would support TVK, Shahjahan replied, “There is no question of that.We are continuing under the DMK alliance.”