The 2026 Tamil Nadu election results indicate that Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which transitioned from actor to politician, has emerged as the largest party in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly, securing 108 seats. This total is just 10 seats shy of the majority threshold, necessitating the support of at least 10 additional MLAs to establish a government. In a significant turn of events, the Tamil Nadu Congress, which holds five seats, has opted to endorse Vijay in the formation of a secular government, according to sources.
This decision was made during a late-night session of the party’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC), led by AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar. Senior leaders reached a consensus to support Vijay after he reached out for assistance and the central leadership urged the state unit to make a decision aligned with public sentiment. The PMK secured four seats, while the CPI and CPI(M) each garnered two. The DMK captured 59 seats, and the AIADMK obtained 47. Additionally, the BJP, DMDK, and AMMK each won one seat, with the VCK acquiring two.
In a strategic move, TVK has relocated its MLAs to a luxury resort in Mamallapuram, intensifying efforts to consolidate support. More than 50 legislators are currently staying at a hotel in Poonjeri, with additional members expected to join as security measures have been heightened. Congress leaders, including TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai, engaged in extensive discussions, and senior leader KC Venugopal confirmed that Vijay sought their backing, indicating a significant shift in the political dynamics of the state.
In an interview, Manickam Tagore acknowledged internal divisions within the Congress regarding an alliance with Vijay’s party. He highlighted that differing opinions existed between state and central leaders, but the ultimate decision rested with the party president. Tagore characterized the alliance as a pragmatic strategy aimed at fortifying the opposition and countering the influence of the BJP, though he recognized that such decisions often require balancing ideological beliefs with pragmatic realities.
The Congress has reiterated that the electoral mandate in Tamil Nadu favors a secular government and has expressed a commitment to preventing the BJP or its affiliates from gaining power in the state. These statements come amidst heightened political maneuvering following the strong performance of Vijay’s TVK, which, while impressive, left them 10 seats short of a majority. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal noted that Vijay sought the party’s support, leading to the central leadership’s directive for the Tamil Nadu unit to make a decision reflective of the electoral results.
Political tensions have surfaced within the INDIA coalition as the Congress’s decision to back Vijay’s TVK has strained its longstanding partnership with the DMK. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai condemned the move, labeling it “myopic” and a “backstab,” warning that it could undermine trust within the opposition as they approach the 2029 general elections. The Congress, having won five seats, made its decision during a late-night meeting of state leaders after TVK requested assistance to form a government. This development represents a notable strategic pivot for the Congress, which could have broader implications for the INDIA alliance as member parties reevaluate their relationships and strategies moving forward.
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