Chennai, 5 May. This time a big upheaval has been seen in the politics of Tamil Nadu. Breaking the dominance of Dravidian parties that has lasted for nearly six decades, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s party, TVK, has emerged as the biggest force in the 2026 assembly elections. This party, which is contesting elections for the first time, has registered its strong presence in the politics of the state by performing brilliantly. However, despite this big victory, TVK still fell short of the majority required to form a government on its own.
118 seats are required for a clear majority in the 234-member assembly, while TVK is currently leading on 108 seats. That means the party is still 10 seats short of majority. What makes the situation a little more complicated is the fact that Vijay has won the elections from two seats (Perambur and Tiruchi East). As per the rules, he will have to give up one seat, reducing the party’s tally by one more. Apart from this, if the government is formed, an MLA will be made the speaker. The Speaker does not normally vote, which further reduces the party’s effective strength in the House.
Considering all these equations, TVK will need the support of at least 12 additional MLAs to prove majority in the Assembly. In such a situation, small parties and alliances have now come into the role of ‘kingmakers’. As per the election results, the DMK alliance has got a scattered mandate. Congress has won 6 seats, while Left parties CPI and CPI (M) have won 2 seats each. Apart from this, parties like Indian Union Muslim League and Viduthalai Chiruthigal Katchi have also got representation.
At the same time, AIADMK alliance has also been able to secure limited number of seats. Parties like PMK and BJP included in this alliance have won some seats. If TVK gets the support of even some of these parties, it can easily cross the majority mark. Here, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar may soon start the process of government formation. They may invite Vijay to stake claim to form the government and prove his majority or may ask him to show letters of support.
If TVK fails to prove majority, the Governor may give a chance to the second largest party DMK. And if no party is successful in forming the government, then President’s rule can be imposed in the state and re-elections can be held within six months.
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