Key Highlights
- VCK has extended support to Vijay-led TVK, helping the alliance cross the majority mark in Tamil Nadu.
- Vijay is now expected to form the next government after days of political uncertainty.
- Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and VCK support strengthened TVK’s position in the Assembly.
- The 2026 election has weakened the long-standing DMK-AIADMK political dominance in Tamil Nadu.
- The focus has now shifted from coalition negotiations to government formation and swearing-in preparations.
Tamil Nadu’s political uncertainty appears to be coming to an end after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) extended support to the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) alliance.
The decision has pushed the TVK coalition beyond the majority mark needed to form the next government in the state.
TVK had emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Election after winning 108 seats. However, the party initially remained short of the 118 seats required for a majority in the 234-member Assembly.
Over the last few days, political activity in Chennai intensified as parties negotiated support and alliance arrangements.
Congress had already announced support for TVK earlier this week. CPI and CPI(M) also backed the alliance, taking the tally close to the majority mark. The latest support from VCK has now strengthened Vijay’s claim to form the government.
VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan held discussions with party leaders before the decision was finalized. The party had earlier maintained caution while reviewing the political situation and alliance conditions.
With VCK now supporting TVK, attention has shifted toward the next stage of government formation and the expected swearing-in ceremony.
The developments mark a major political change in Tamil Nadu. For decades, the state’s politics had largely been dominated by the DMK and AIADMK. The rise of TVK has disrupted that political structure.
Political observers say the 2026 election reflects changing voter preferences, especially among young and urban voters looking for an alternative political force.
Vijay’s campaign focused on governance reform, anti-corruption messaging, welfare continuity, and promises of a new political culture in Tamil Nadu.
The support extended by Congress also became one of the biggest political surprises after the election.
Congress had remained allied with the DMK for nearly two decades in Tamil Nadu politics. Its decision to support TVK created tensions within the opposition camp and weakened the DMK’s post-election position.
Congress reportedly placed conditions on its support, including maintaining a secular political platform and avoiding any understanding with the BJP.
The DMK has strongly criticized Congress for backing TVK. Party leaders described the move as a betrayal and accused Congress of weakening the traditional alliance structure in the state.
Meanwhile, AIADMK has remained outside the alliance discussions. The party secured 47 seats in the election and is expected to sit in the opposition.
The election result has also increased the importance of smaller regional parties in Tamil Nadu politics.
Unlike previous governments where alliance partners had limited influence, the current negotiations suggest supporting parties are seeking a greater role in governance and policymaking.
Reports indicate that discussions between TVK and alliance partners included cabinet representation and welfare commitments.
The government formation process also witnessed controversy after AMMK chief T.T.V. Dhinakaran accused TVK of submitting a forged support letter from an MLA. TVK denied the allegation and later released a video related to the dispute.
Despite the political and legal drama surrounding the coalition talks, the latest support from VCK appears to have stabilized the numbers in Vijay’s favor.
Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony are continuing in Chennai, where party supporters have gathered in large numbers over the past two days.
If the final process moves forward without further delay, Vijay is expected to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, leading the state’s first non-Dravidian-led government in nearly sixty years.