TVK Vijay Oath Taking Ceremony Live Updates: PM Modi speaks to TVK's Vijay, congratulates him on taking oath as TN CM

C Joseph Vijay, founder of TVK, is scheduled to take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday.

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will administer the oath of office to Vijay at a grand ceremony scheduled for 10 am at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

Meanwhile, Arlekar has approved Chief Minister-designate Vijay’s recommendation for the appointment of nine ministers, according to a release issued by Lok Bhavan.

The new Cabinet will include one woman minister, S Keerthana.

“C Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister-designate has recommended a list of nine persons to be appointed as Ministers on May 9. The Governor has approved the recommendation regarding the appointment of the ministers,” the release said.

Vijay, president of TVK, arrived at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday, where he is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

Vijay is poised to become the first leader outside the DMK and AIADMK blocs to head the Tamil Nadu government since 1967.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 am at the stadium in Chennai, with security tightened ahead of the event.

DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan on Sunday said it remains to be seen how the new government functions and fulfils its promises under TVK chief Vijay.
Speaking to ANI, Elangovan referred to the delay in government formation and said Vijay had managed to secure majority support after a week of political developments.

"Earlier, it was said he would take the oath in the evening, but now it's in the morning. After a week, he managed to secure a majority and is taking the oath. How he runs the government and fulfils promises remains to be seen. We'll see how he runs the state," Elangovan said.

TVK chief Vijay is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu today, which is scheduled for 10 AM at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, where security has been heightened ahead of the event.

Vijay will assume office after TVK secured 118 seats, the minimum required for a majority in the Assembly. The party received support from the Congress, which won 5 seats, along with the Communist Party of India (2), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (2), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (2), and the Indian Union Muslim League (2).

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is all set to be sworn in as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, after he delivered an unprecedented performance to break the three-decade-old 'duopoly' of Dravidian parties in the state.

Father of Vijay and Director SA Chandrasekhar expressed happiness over the occasion, stating that he would enjoy the moment when his son would take oath as the Tamil Nadu CM.

"I am very happy. We are going to attend the function. I am going to enjoy that my son is going to take the oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," he told ANI.

Meanwhile, Vijay's mother, Sobha, also felt delighted on the occasion, saying, "I am so happy. It is Mother's Day today, I am very happy," she said.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi hailed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay ahead of his swearing-in as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, calling him a "dynamic new star on the TN horizon" and expressing confidence that "the best is yet to come."

In a post on X, Singhvi wrote, "Thrilled to see dynamic new star on the TN horizon VIJAY, to be sworn in tom. Privileged to be part of advisory behind this well-deserved moment though belated coronatn esp for weight given to advice by young team. Best is yet to come!"

Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Tamil Nadu CM-designate Vijay in Chennai on Sunday.

On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar appointed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief C Joseph Vijay as the new Chief Minister of the state and asked him to prove his majority in the state assembly on or before May 13.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Nehru Stadium, Chennai, at 10 am.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam President Vijay is about to leave his Neelankarai residence around 9 AM on Sunday to take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 AM at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, where security has been heightened ahead of the event.

Vijay will assume office after TVK secured 118 seats, the minimum required for a majority in the Assembly. The party received support from the Congress, which won 5 seats, along with the Communist Party of India (2), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (2), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (2), and the Indian Union Muslim League (2).

Following the coalition support, the Governor of Tamil Nadu invited Vijay to form the government. The oath-taking will mark TVK's first government in the state, with Vijay taking charge as Chief Minister.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will be attending the swearing-in ceremony at Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Saturday appointed TVK leader C Joseph Vijay as the new Chief Minister of the State and asked him to prove his majority in the Assembly before May 13.

Vijay, an actor-turned-politician, submitted letters of support from Congress, CPI, Communist Party of India (Marxist), VCK and IUML to the Governor.

After he takes the oath, Vijay will become the first leader outside the DMK and AIADMK formations to head the Tamil Nadu government since 1967.

Vijay, often referred to as the 'Thalapathy', showed a crowd-pulling ability in the election rallies, which many compared to actor-turned-politician and former CM MG Ramachandran. While Tamil Nadu has had a long history of actors entering and conquering politics, the State awaited another star to step up in the line after Captain Vijayakanth.

Vijay has embraced Dravidian politics while pitching himself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties. On October 28, 2024, in what is regarded as his first political speech, Vijay called Periyar his ideological leader, while noting that the party will not adopt his atheism. He also referred to CN Annadurai, K Kamaraj and Babasaheb BR Ambedkar as the party's leaders for the idea of social justice.

He has also embraced his Christian identity while being outspoken about secular politics.

Although the TVK was launched in 2024, he has been looked at as a social worker and has not been apolitical, given his films, which dealt with drug menace, corruption and other socio-political issues. While there has been speculation of him entering politics since 2009, Vijay has involved himself in social work.

In the 2026 elections, he won two seats, Perambur and Trichy East, and will resign from one.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Saturday extended warm greetings to the Tamil Nadu CM-designate and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay, saying that the State expects a change and new hope.

In a post on X, Tagore said that the people of Tamil Nadu are looking forward to social justice, development, equality, and humane governance.

"Our heartfelt congratulations to Vijay, who is about to assume the office of Chief Minister. Tamil Nadu is at a moment when it looks forward to change and new hope. The people expect an inclusive Tamil Nadu founded on social justice, equality, development, and humane governance. We believe that under your leadership, a people-centred, transparent, and well-governed administration will be established. Our heartfelt best wishes for your new journey for the people of Tamil Nadu to be successful," he said.

As the legacy Dravidian duopoly ends in Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is set to take oath as the Chief Minister on Sunday, scripting history.

Backing Vijay's popularity and demand for change amid fatigue with a DMK-ADMK binary, the TVK won 108 seats in the debut Assembly elections. Amid post-poll politics, Vijay managed to stitch an alliance with Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML to cross the majority mark of 118 seats and is poised to head the coalition government.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will be attending the swearing-in ceremony at Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Saturday appointed TVK leader C Joseph Vijay as the new Chief Minister of the State and asked him to prove his majority in the Assembly before May 13.

Vijay, an actor-turned-politician, submitted letters of support from Congress, CPI, Communist Party of India (Marxist), VCK and IUML to the Governor.

After he takes the oath, Vijay will become the first leader outside the DMK and AIADMK formations to head the Tamil Nadu government since 1967.

Vijay, often referred to as the 'Thalapathy', showed a crowd-pulling ability in the election rallies, which many compared to actor-turned-politician and former CM MG Ramachandran. While Tamil Nadu has had a long history of actors entering and conquering politics, the State awaited another star to step up in the line after Captain Vijayakanth.

Vijay has embraced Dravidian politics while pitching himself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties. On October 28, 2024, in what is regarded as his first political speech, Vijay called Periyar his ideological leader, while noting that the party will not adopt his atheism. He also referred to CN Annadurai, K Kamaraj and Babasaheb BR Ambedkar as the party's leaders for the idea of social justice.

TVK chief C Joseph Vijay will be sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister on Sunday. Along with him, his core team comprising nine TVK MLAs and two Congress MLAs is expected to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu cabinet ministers. The ceremony will be held at 10am at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Governor R V Arlekar has asked chief minister-designate Vijay to prove his majority in the state legislative assembly on or before May 13. Vijay met the governor on Saturday evening and submitted to him letters of support from Congress, VCK, IUML and the Left parties. According to a Lok Bhavan statement, "The governor issued an order appointing Vijay as the chief minister and invited him to form the ministry." Leaders of parties supporting TVK were present when Vijay visited the governor's office for the fourth time in less than a week to stake claim to form the govt.

DMK mouthpiece Murasoli on Saturday attacked Congress and criticised leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's "lack of gratitude" after his party moved out of the DMK-led alliance and teamed up with TVK in Tamil Nadu.

In its editorial, Murasoli recalled the relationship between DMK and Congress since 2018, when former CM M K Stalin announced Rahul as the prime ministerial candidate for the first time. "Does Rahul have any gratitude for the gesture?" DMK asked.

"The seeds for the INDIA bloc were sown in Tamil Nadu. It was Stalin who initiated efforts to build a national opposition alliance against BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. It was due to the INDIA bloc that BJP couldn't reach 370 or 400 seats," DMK said. "Even when former CMs such as K Chandrashekar Rao and Mamata Banerjee didn't want Congress in the INDIA bloc, Stalin stayed strong that Congress should be part of the INDIA bloc," said the editorial.

Congress members, including Praveen Chakravarty, who were close to Rahul, repeatedly targeted the DMK govt and its "Dravidian model" of governance, the editorial alleged. "The DMK govt was not allowed to function peacefully, and all this happened with Rahul's knowledge," it said.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Saturday extended warm greetings to the Tamil Nadu CM-designate and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay, saying that the State expects a change and new hope.


In a post on X, Tagore said that the people of Tamil Nadu are looking forward to social justice, development, equality, and humane governance.


"Our heartfelt congratulations to Vijay, who is about to assume the office of Chief Minister. Tamil Nadu is at a moment when it looks forward to change and new hope. The people expect an inclusive Tamil Nadu founded on social justice, equality, development, and humane governance. We believe that under your leadership, a people-centred, transparent, and well-governed administration will be established. Our heartfelt best wishes for your new journey for the people of Tamil Nadu to be successful," he said.

DMK leader TKS Elangovan said that before reaching out to the Governor, Vijay should have obtained the support from various political parties to secure a majority.


"He should have first tried with other political parties, sought their support and then given a letter. But he is approaching the governor without a majority," he said.


Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday appointed TVK Chief and CM-designate Vijay as the Chief Minister of the State.


Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have extended unconditional support to TVK to form a government in the state.


Vijay will take oath as Chief Minister at a function to be held at 10 am tomorrow.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Tamil Nadu CM-designate Vijay in Chennai on Sunday.


On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar appointed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief C Joseph Vijay as the new Chief Minister of the state and asked him to prove his majority in the state assembly on or before May 13.


The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Nehru Stadium, Chennai, at 10 am.


Vijay, an actor-turned-politician, met the Governor earlier in the day and gave him letters of support from Congress, CPI, Communist Party of India (Marxist), VCK and IUML.


TVK has the support of the abovementioned political parties. While Congress has five MLAs, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML have two MLAs each.


The TVK, which created a record by winning 108 seats in its debut assembly polls, now has the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member assembly. The majority mark in the assembly is 118.


"Thiru C Joseph Vijay, called on the Governor of Tamil Nadu today at Lok Bhavan and submitted a letter informing about his election as the leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Legislature party. He has also submitted the letters received from the Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Indian Union Muslim League, extending their support to form the Government under his leadership," Lok Bhavan said in a press release.


"The Governor of Tamil Nadu has appointed Thiru C. Joseph Vijay as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and invited him to form the Ministry. The Governor has directed the Chief Minister designate to seek the vote of confidence of the Assembly on or before May 13, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Nehru Stadium, Chennai on 10th May 2026 at 10 am," the release added.

In a boost to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's efforts to form a government in Tamil Nadu, IUML on Saturday extended its "unconditional support", taking the total number of parties supporting TVK to five.


IUML has extended unconditional support to TVK to form a government in the state.


The strength of TVK legislatures and parties supporting it has gone up to 121. TVK has the support of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML. While Congress has five MLAs, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML have two MLAs each.


The letter to Governor, written by IUML leaders SSB Syed Farooq Basha and AM Shahjahan, conveyed party's "unconditional support" to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam led by Joseph Vijay for forming government in Tamil Nadu


The letter said the support is being conveyed "in the interest of stable, secular and democratic governance" for the people of Tamil Nadu.


Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Saturday also received the support of VCK's two MLAs and inched closer to forming a coalition government in Tamil Nadu.


Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan gave official confirmation letter to Aadhav Arjuna, TVK General Secretary- Election Campaign Management, and extended the party's support to TVK to form a government in the state.


VCK's unconditional support has paved the way for formation of TVK-led government in the state. TVK chief Vijay is expected to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar with all letters of support he has received.


TVK, which won 108 seats in its spectacular debut in the assembly polls, earlier had the support of Congress, CPI, CPI(M) and VCK, taking total tally to 119.


The majority mark in 234 member-House is 118.


TVK chief Vijay has won from two seats and will resign from one seat, taking the effective strength of the party to 107 and of assembly to 233.


VCK chief Thirumavalavan wrote a letter to Tamil Nadu Governor stating that the party has extended support to the TVK.


"This support is extended pursuant to the results of the General Assembly Elections held for the State of Tamil Nadu on 23rd April 2026, and is being conveyed in the interest of stable and democratic governance for the people of Tamil Nadu. I request Your Excellency to take on record my unconditional support," the letter said.


Congress MP Manickam Tagore said TVK has reached the majority mark with help of supporting parties.


"118 reached," he said.


TVK emerged as the single largest party in the assembly elections with 108 seats but remained short of the majority mark.


Vijay has met Tamil Nadu Governor but had not been invited to form government as he did not have "official numbers" for majority support.


After he takes oath, Vijay will become the first leader outside the DMK and AIADMK formations to head a government in Tamil Nadu since 1967.

Everyone is waiting for that moment. We have not witnessed MGR's assembly. We have not witnessed Kamaraj's assembly. We are going to witness our Thalapathy's assembly, and we are very happy to be here today: Vasanth, a Vijay fan

Congress MP and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi will attend oath ceremony of CM-elect and TVK chief Vijay in Chennai. Congress with its five MLAs is supporting TVK.

"Vijay Anna is the people’s voice; there are celebrations across Tamil Nadu now," says TVK's Shanmuga Priya.

I am happy. I am so happy. Whatever I am doing, I am doing it only for my son...Finally, Tamil people have succeeded through Vijay. Do everything for Tamilians: SA Chandrashekhar

Tamil Nadu Governor Arlekar appoints C Joseph Vijay as CM of Tamil Nadu; hands TVK chief, appointment letter: Lok Bhavan

Vijay's swearing-in ceremony scheduled at 10 am on Sunday.

He is able to become the chief minister with the help of the allies of the DMK, and our leader, MK Stalin, has also earlier pointed out that he does not want a constitutional crisis... The people of Tamil Nadu have given a mandate... Thanks to our chief minister, he has persuaded the allies... We had extensive consultations with the DMK party leaders... Our leader, MK Stalin, has also mentioned the way the Congress has backstabbed the DMK... They won these five seats only because of the hard work of the DMK caders on the ground, the polling agent, the counting agent, and the booth level agent: A Sarvanan

Tamil Nadu CM-designate and TVK chief C Joseph Vijay will take oath tomorrow at 3:15 pm: Sources

TVK chief Vijay meets Governor Rajendra Arlekar with support of 120 MLAs, two more than the majority mark of 118.

Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday said that the Congress' decision to extend support to TVK in Tamil Nadu was guided by its broader political objective of keeping the "BJP forces out of power."

Speaking to ANI on Congress's support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Shivakumar said, "Whatever decision has been taken by my party has been done to keep the BJP forces out of power, that is the only intention. Ultimately, we want secular forces..."

This comes after TVK, which won 108 seats, has sought support from several smaller camps to touch the magical number of 118 seats in the 234-seat assembly. Congress, with five seats, and the CPI and CPI(M), which have two seats each, had extended their support to the Vijay-led TVK. The BJP has only one seat in the state assembly.

TVK chief Vijay leaves from his residence in Chennai. Sources say that Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has given him time for a meeting at 6:30 pm.

With the support of VCK, CPI, CPI(M), Congress and IUML, the path for TVK to form a government in the state is now clear.

The governor has cancelled his scheduled visit to Kerala tonight. He was to catch a flight at 7:10 pm. The governor has given an appointment to TVK chief Vijay at 6:30 pm today: Govt source

Supporting TVK to form govt, to prevent President's rule, says VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan in Chennai.

"Took long term vision into account, decided to extend unconditional support to TVK. Political crisis in TN should not become cause for implementing President's rule."

Vijay not given time by Governor Rajendra Arlekar, returns home.

After securing numbers, TVK chief Vijay leaves for Lok Bhavan to call on governor Arlekar and stake claim to form the next government.

My heartfelt respects to the loving comrades of my leader and soulmate Kalaignar, who is intertwined with my life, and to my soul-breathing Tamil people.

After the election results were announced, we are witnessing the events that are unfolding. The assembly election results had turned out in a manner where no party secured the majority needed to form a government. Even though the secular progressive alliance, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, did not obtain the majority seats required to form a government, we have garnered a significant number of votes.

In the interview I had already given to the press, I had stated that we would not obstruct the formation of a new government and that the DMK would function as a constructive opposition party.

Thereafter, in the meeting of assembly members held under my leadership, they entrusted me with the responsibility of decision-making. In that meeting, I had conveyed that "keeping the interests of the party in mind, I would consult with the headquarters administrators and arrive at a decision."

In a situation where no one secured the majority to form a government, many put forward alternative ideas. As far as I am concerned, whatever decision our allied parties take, I believed that we should respect their decision, act in coordination, ensure a stable government is formed, and not pave the way for another election.

I welcome the announcement by our alliance comrades that "to avoid the current crisis, even if we express support for the Tamil Nadu Victory Federation to form the government, we continue in the DMK-led secular progressive alliance on the basis of policy."

The Congress MLAs who contested and won on behalf of the alliance did not come to Anna Arivalayam to express their thanks. On the same day, the Congress party severed ties with the DMK and proceeded. At the same time, Communist leaders Comrade Shanmugam and Comrade Veerapandian, along with Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi party leader Thirumavalavan, have announced that they will continue to join hands with the DMK and fight for the rights of Tamil Nadu and the welfare of the people, thereby expressing a sense of camaraderie and demonstrating their trust in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which is strong in policy.

At this crucial time of testing, I express my deepest gratitude from the heart to all the alliance movement leaders who stood firmly with us, including Professor Aaya Kather Mohideen, Annan Vaiko, Sister Premalatha Vijayakanth, Professor Jawahirlulla, and brothers Eswaran and Tamimun Ansari. No amount of thanks or praise can suffice for their steadfastness.

Over the past five years, we have developed Tamil Nadu in all sectors and enriched the state. Through numerous schemes, we have created opportunities for every individual to benefit.

It is my personal wish that the new government, which will be formed, continues those schemes, which were conceived with far-sighted thinking and rich planning.

If all schemes encompassing women, youth, students, children, marginalized people, and government employees are continued to be implemented, the benefits to the people will persist, and the state will grow. I request the new government to take this into consideration and act accordingly.

Once again, I extend my best wishes to the new government that will be formed.

VCK extends unconditional support to TVK to form a government in the state.

With this, TVK now has the support of Congress, CPI, CPI(M) and VCK, taking its tally to 119, crossing the majority mark of 118.

'Victory,' says TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna; shows a letter from VCK 'extending support' to TVK on govt formation.

Vijay's number nightmare set to end as VCK extends unconditional support to TVK. Decision taken after TVK general secretary Nirmal Anand met VCK chief Thirumavalavan: Report

In a statement issued in Chennai, the veteran leader said the democratic mandate delivered by the people must be respected without further delay and stressed that the single largest party should be given the opportunity to form the next government.

“Everyone has a duty to bow before the people’s verdict. The process of government formation should not be delayed under any circumstances. The Governor must immediately invite TVK to form the government,” Ramadoss said.

The PMK founder made a direct appeal to Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan to extend support to TVK, saying such a move would reflect the aspirations of the people.

“If Thirumavalavan extends his support, the Governor should formally invite Vijay and administer the oath of office to him as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,” Ramadoss stated.

The people have given a mandate to TVK and Mr Vijay. The other parties are trying to do politics in between. The Governor is the facilitator of the Constitution, but doesn't have authority. It is his duty to invite TVK and prove the majority on the Floor of the Assembly, not Lok Bhavan. Why is he doing such drama? It is clear that he is a mouthpiece of the BJP-RSS. He is not doing his job, but according to the direction of the BJP: T Selvam, TVK leader

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday shared a cryptic post on X, saying, "In the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections that have just concluded, candidates from various parties have contested and emerged victorious. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the party that will form the government in Tamil Nadu."

An ex-IPS officer moved the Supreme Court on Saturday, challenging Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's refusal to invite TVK chief C Joseph Vijay to form the government despite his party winning the highest number of seats.

The plea was filed by IPS M Ramasubramani (retd), who served as an Additional Director General of Police and the Inspector General of Police. His plea argued that the governor's decision amounts to an unconstitutional determination of a majority outside the Assembly.

It contended that the governor could not deny TVK an opportunity to prove its majority through a floor test.

The TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly in the April 23 polls and emerged as the single largest party.

Though the Congress with five MLAs has extended support to TVK, the single-largest party is still short of as many seats to touch the majority mark of 118.

Vijay, the TVK founder, has met Governor Arlekar twice, requesting to be invited to form the government. However, no invitation has been extended to him so far to form the government.

As the suspense continues over the formation of the Tamil Nadu government with the VCK yet to announce its support to Vijay, CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby on Saturday said that the Governor is allegedly ignoring the "time-tested democratic practice" of inviting the single largest political party or post-poll alliance.

VCK has won two seats in the assembly polls. TVK, which needs the support of 118 MLAs to form the government, is just short of one MLA.

The CPI and CPI(M), which have two seats each, and Congress, with five seats, had already extended their support to the Vijay-led TVK to move forward with a change from the traditional Dravidian DMK-AIADMK duopoly.

He also took a dig at the Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and said that "Lok Bhavan is not where the majority of a party is tested".

"The verdict is clear - they voted out the incumbent government, didn't give approval to the opposition, and almost elected a new party. Through SupremeCourt verdicts, the practice has been clear: - invite either the single largest party or a post-poll alliance can also be invited. Tamil Nadu governor is ignoring the time tested democractic practice. The governor wanted to know how Vijay would prove a majority. With all humility, I would like to say that that is none of the business of the Governor. Lok Bhavan is not where the majority of a party is tested; it is on the floor of the house. We will write to the Governor to invite the single largest party to form the government. Our MLAs are supporting the formation of the government by TVK. Now, VCK was also supposed to send a letter of support, which has not gone out yet."

With uncertainty continuing over government formation in Tamil Nadu, five Congress MLAs from the state were camping in Hyderabad on Saturday in an apparent move by the party to prevent any poaching attempts.

Congress MLA P Viswanathan from Melur, who was formerly the AICC in-charge of party affairs in Telangana, was leading the group of five MLAs during their stay in Hyderabad, party sources said.

The Congress has already declared its support for TVK, and Viswanathan is likely to become a minister if a TVK government is formed, the sources added.

Actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which won 108 seats—10 short of a majority—had earlier reached out to the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and VCK parties that had been allied with the DMK, seeking their support to form the government after emerging as the single largest party in its maiden Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, held on April 23.

The VCK, a long-time ally of the Left parties, is expected to formally announce its support for the TVK, following the stand taken by the communist parties.

More than 30 MLAs of the Edappadi K. Palaniswami-led All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) returned to Chennai on Saturday after a three-day stay at a resort in Puducherry and met the party chief at his residence amid ongoing political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu.

According to party sources, the legislators had been shifted to the neighbouring Union Territory to allegedly prevent “cross-voting or defections” at a time when Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is attempting to gather support to form the government after emerging as the single largest party in the April 23 Assembly elections.

AIADMK sources said Palaniswami is expected to chair a meeting of party legislators to discuss the next course of action amid the evolving political situation.

Senior AIADMK leaders, including C. Vijayabaskar, K. P. Anbalagan and B. Valarmathi, were among those who arrived at Palaniswami’s residence for the discussions.

Sources also said the meeting is likely to deliberate on ally Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam’s allegations that TVK used a “forged” support letter while staking claim to form the government.

Amid ongoing political negotiations in Tamil Nadu following the fractured Assembly verdict, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan said Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) should first try to secure support from other political parties before approaching the Governor.

Speaking to ANI, Elangovan said, "He (TVK chief Vijay) should first try with other political parties and then approach the Governor. If AMMK MLAs are not supporting TVK, then why should he give a letter of support? Let us see what happens when the police investigate the complaint."

Further, DMK MP and senior advocate P Wilson also said Tamil Nadu had not seen such "horse trading" attempts in many years, adding that this was happening even before the new government had taken charge.

In a post on X, Wilson wrote, "I now understand what they meant when they said they are bringing "change" to TN politics - Tamil Nadu hasn't seen horse trading attempts like this in many years! All this even before taking charge!"