TVK supporters took to the streets of Chennai with fireworks and rallies as news of the Governor’s approval spread, triggering festive scenes across the city.
BY PC Bureau
May 9, 2026: Chennai erupted in celebration on Saturday evening as actor-turned-politician Vijay on Saturday evening finally received the Governor’s clearance to form the government in Tamil Nadu after TVK crossed the majority mark with the required support of MLAs. He is expected to take oath as Chief Minister tomorrow evening.
Vijay, accompanied by senior TVK leaders, submitted letters of support from 120 MLAs to Governor RV Arlekar i at Lok Bhavan. Parties including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), and the Congress extended unconditional support to the TVK chief, enabling the formation of a coalition government.
He is set to become the first non-Dravidian Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 59 years, though discussions are still underway regarding the size and composition of the new Cabinet.
VIJAY STAKES CLAIM TO FORM GOVT
Has requested for oath taking tomorrow 3pm
TVK chief Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan along with his allies, as the numbers appear to swing decisively in his favour
With support now coming from… pic.twitter.com/WO2rVZSYDA
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) May 9, 2026
Saturday’s meeting marked Vijay’s fourth interaction with the Governor in a week. His earlier attempts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday had failed after he fell short of the required numbers. The political uncertainty ended only after last-minute alignments and support from key allies pushed TVK past the halfway mark, albeit with a narrow majority of 120 MLAs.
As soon as the Governor’s approval became known, TVK workers poured onto the streets of Chennai, bursting firecrackers, dancing, and waving party flags. The celebrations caused major traffic disruptions near Raj Bhavan and the party headquarters, with a carnival-like atmosphere prevailing across parts of the city.
Meanwhile, political turbulence continues within the AIADMK, where senior leader C.V. Shanmugam is reportedly leading an internal rebellion backed by over 30 MLAs, some of whom are said to be open to supporting the new ruling coalition.
READ: Major split threat in AIADMK as 30 MLAs veer towards TVK
Political observers are closely tracking the developments ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Sunday evening, which is set to mark a major political shift in Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian-era dominance.
Security arrangements have been tightened across Chennai and around Raj Bhavan ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, with authorities expecting large crowds of TVK supporters to gather once again. Police have been deployed in strength near key junctions, party offices, and the venue to manage traffic and prevent overcrowding as celebrations continue to swell across the city. Sources said the oath-taking event is likely to be held under tight protocol, with select dignitaries and senior leaders in attendance.
Meanwhile, the political ripple effects of TVK’s breakthrough are being felt across Tamil Nadu’s established power structure. DMK leaders have begun internal consultations after slipping into the opposition with 59 seats, while AIADMK faces its deepest organisational crisis in years amid reports of widening factionalism. Analysts say Vijay’s rapid rise and the collapse of the traditional bipolar contest have redrawn the state’s political map, ushering in a new and uncertain phase where coalition stability and party unity will be closely tested in the days ahead.
