AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s congratulatory message has triggered speculation that the party is stepping back from challenging TVK’s claim or forming counter-alignments.
BY PC Bureau
May 9, 2026: Actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has secured the numbers to form the government in Tamil Nadu, ending days of post-poll uncertainty after emerging as the single-largest party in the 2026 Assembly elections.
In a major development, the VCK, led by Thol. Thirumavalavan, extended support to Vijay after internal deliberations, resolving what party insiders described as the “numbers uncertainty,” with indications of possible cabinet representation.
TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly (majority mark: 118). With support from the Congress (5 seats), CPI and CPM (combined 4 seats), and crucially the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) (2 seats), the alliance has crossed the halfway mark, reaching at least 119 seats.
EPS’s neutral congratulatory message sparks speculation
In a significant development, AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) posted on X: “In the recently concluded 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, candidates from various political parties contested and emerged victorious. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the party forming the government in Tamil Nadu.”
The carefully worded message—without naming any party or asserting a counter-claim—has been widely interpreted as AIADMK stepping aside from any attempt to challenge TVK’s claim or align with the DMK. The move is seen as indirectly clearing the path for Vijay’s government formation.
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चेन्नई में VCK ऑफिस के बाहर विजय के समर्थकों की भारी भीड़ जुटी।
शाम करीब 4 बजे VCK द्वारा TVK को समर्थन देने पर बड़ा फैसला लिया जा सकता है।
इस मुश्किल समय में जिस तरह विजय के फैंस उनके साथ मजबूती से खड़े हैं, उससे साफ दिखता है कि लोग उन्हें कितना पसंद और सम्मान करते हैं 🫡 pic.twitter.com/7zjfeRrE6Y
— Sandeep Khasa (@SamKhasa_) May 9, 2026
Key developments
Vijay has met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar on multiple occasions, staking claim to form the government and submitting letters of support from alliance partners.
The VCK, led by Thol. Thirumavalavan, extended support after internal deliberations, resolving what party insiders described as the “numbers uncertainty,” with indications of possible cabinet representation. Congress has already extended its backing, while the CPI and CPM have also formally pledged support to TVK.
The Governor had earlier sought clear proof of majority. With updated support letters expected, TVK is likely to be invited to form the government shortly, followed by a potential oath-taking ceremony. A floor test may still be conducted to formally demonstrate majority strength.
Historic shift in Tamil Nadu politics
TVK’s debut performance with 108 seats has disrupted the long-standing DMK–AIADMK duopoly. DMK secured 59 seats and is set to lead the opposition, while AIADMK won 47 seats.
This marks one of the most significant political realignments in Tamil Nadu’s recent history, with a non-Dravidian party poised to lead the government.
Vijay, who won both constituencies he contested and is expected to vacate one, is set to become the next Chief Minister.
Celebrations have erupted among TVK supporters in Chennai and across the state. Political observers note that while minor arithmetic uncertainties remain with independents and smaller groups, the momentum now firmly favours TVK.
Official confirmation from Raj Bhavan is awaited. The development follows intense negotiations and high-stakes political realignments, signalling a new chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
