Published May 04, 2026 | 6:16 PM ⚊ Updated May 04, 2026 | 6:16 PM
Actor-turned-politician Vijay during the poll campaign.
Synopsis: While TVK has secured a significant vote share, around 34.8%, which translates to nearly 1.4 crore votes, it is still short of the 118 seats required for an absolute majority in the 234-member Assembly. With the party leading in roughly 100–110 constituencies, the question now is not just victory, but government formation.
For the first time since 1967, Tamil Nadu is heading towards the possibility of having a government led by a party outside the two dominant Dravidian forces, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
In the 2026 Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) delivered a historic performance, emerging as the single largest party in its first electoral outing. Within just two years of launching the party, Vijay now stands on the cusp of capturing power in Tamil Nadu.
However, the numbers present a complex picture. While TVK has secured a significant vote share, around 34.8%, which translates to nearly 1.4 crore votes, it is still short of the 118 seats required for an absolute majority in the 234-member Assembly. With the party leading in roughly 100–110 constituencies, the question now is not just victory, but government formation.
Also Read: Vijay’s TVK breaks Dravidian parties’ duopoly
From the beginning of its campaign, TVK framed its move as the “return of history”. The reference is unmistakable. When MG Ramachandran launched the AIADMK, he went on to win the 1977 election with over 30% vote share and formed a majority government.
Nearly five decades later, Vijay appears to be scripting a similar political disruption, though without the immediate cushion of a clear majority.
Unlike earlier Dravidian parties, TVK has contested the election largely on its own, without pre-poll alliances. The decision now places Vijay in a position where post-poll support becomes crucial.
When viewed in terms of alliances, the DMK front has a larger number of constituent parties.
In contrast, the AIADMK alliance comprises only a few parties, including the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Bharatiya Janata Party, both of which are leading in only a limited number of constituencies. So far, the BJP has secured victory in just one seat, where its candidate Bojarajan has won.
On the other hand, within the DMK alliance, the Indian National Congress has won one seat and is leading in four constituencies. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi is leading in two seats, while the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have won two seats and are leading in two more.
The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, founded by Vijayakanth, is leading in just one constituency.
In this scenario, only if all parties in the DMK alliance extend support to Vijay will he be able to form a government with a clear majority. Reports are already emerging that TVK has initiated talks with the Congress and other parties.
Also Read: TVK registers first electoral success, crosses one crore votes
Leaders from these parties, however, have struck a cautious tone.
Speaking on the possibility of extending support, CPI state secretary Mutharasan Veerapandian said that while they respect the people’s verdict, any decision would be taken collectively by the party leadership. He also noted that no formal approach has been made by TVK so far.
Similarly, VCK MP D. Ravikumar stated that it is too early to discuss alliances, adding that even if they secure wins, decisions about supporting another party would require careful consideration after final results are declared.
He also pointed out the political risks for Vijay — aligning with AIADMK could dilute TVK’s identity, while a tie-up with the BJP may not be politically viable, suggesting that Vijay’s options remain limited and complex.
Congress, which nearly broke away from DMK alliance to join hands with TVK but chose to stay back, is considering extending ‘outside’ support to TVK. A formal post poll coalition or being part of the next government in Tamil Nadu, doesn’t seem like a preferred option for Congress that also has to take national equations into account. The DMK is a crucial ally for the Congress in parliamentary polls despite the bad blood between party leaders and cadres in Tamil Nadu.
The 2026 election has already reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. But the outcome will depend on what happens next, whether Vijay can convert a historic electoral surge into a stable government.
For now, all eyes are on post-result negotiations, as Tamil Nadu stands at a potential turning point after nearly six decades of Dravidian dominance.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
