Even if it starts out as a minority government, the governor is expected to request Vijay’s TVK to form the government because it is the single largest party.
Chennai
In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), are only 11 members away from a majority with 107 seats. Now, the key question is arithmetic: will the state witness a hung assembly and where will those vital numbers come from?
Even if it starts out as a minority government, the governor is likely to invite TVK, the single largest party, to form the government. Party insiders are still optimistic about getting outside help. The Congress, which won five seats, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM), and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which each received two seats, are among the parties currently affiliated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) that they suggest may provide support.
Even 2006, when a minority DMK government managed to survive with outside assistance, was compared by a senior leader.
A realignment within the DMK-led alliance might result from such a situation. In order to obtain a larger seat share from the DMK, the Congress, in particular, had already investigated a potential alliance with TVK prior to the elections. This suggests already tense relations inside the partnership.
Support from the five-seat Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) is another option for TVK. However, considering its affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which Vijay has referred to as his ideological rival, any direct interaction with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) seems improbable.
TVK’s 30-year-old Maduravoyal contender, Rhevanth Charan, who is expected to become one of the state’s youngest MLAs, expressed optimism about the party’s chances of forming the government.
“Instability is not feared. Charan told NDTV, “We will form the government,” adding that the party’s top command would decide on any partnerships or outside backing. He said that important dates and clarification about government formation would be released shortly.
TVK’s Historic Debut with Vijay
TVK’s historic premiere performance serves as the backdrop for this political moment. With his party developing as the single biggest force, Vijay has written a spectacular debut into electoral politics. While TVK made significant advances into Chennai, gaining 14 of 16 seats in what has long been seen as the DMK’s stronghold, he personally won from both Perambur and Trichy East.
Vijay rejected alliance alternatives and opted to go it alone as no party agreed to share power, framing the contest as a frontal battle against the DMK throughout the campaign. That gamble has paid off now that the results are in, but how well he handles the post-election numbers game will determine how the government is formed.
According to sources, the swearing-in may happen as early as May 7, despite the fact that TVK is still engaged in extensive backchannel negotiations to see if it can reach the majority threshold.
