Published May 09, 2026 | 7:55 PM ⚊ Updated May 09, 2026 | 7:55 PM
Vijay with Governor Arlekar on Saturday.
Synopsis: Congress, VCK and leaders of the Left parties accompanied Vijay to the Lok Bhavan. This was Vijay’s fourth visit to the Lok Bhavan in two days. During the previous three visits, he lacked the required numbers to form the government.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan on Saturday, 9 May, and once again staked his claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu.
Vijay’s latest visit came after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) extended unconditional support to TVK to form the government.
Congress, VCK and leaders of the Left parties accompanied Vijay to the Lok Bhavan. This was Vijay’s fourth visit to the Lok Bhavan in two days. During the previous three visits, he lacked the required numbers to form the government.
According to available information, Vijay is likely to be sworn-in along with nine ministers at 3.15 pm on Sunday, 10 May. An official announcement in this regard is expected soon.
TVK, though emerged as the single-largest party after the 23 April elections to the state Assembly, could win only 108 seats, 10 short of the simple majority of 118 required to form the government.
Also Read: VCK, IUML extend unconditional support to Vijay
Of the 108 seats, Vijay had won two, Perambur and Trichy East. He will have to forgo one seat.
The Congress with five seats, and CPI and CPI(M) with two seats each, had already pledged support to TVK, and issued official letters. The VCK and IUML — also with two seats each — issued the letters on Saturday.
The TVK now has the support of 120 members (Vijay has to forgo one seat), two more than the requisite number.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu witnessed much drama as TVK tried to establish its strength.
After VCK and IUML had pledged support, Vijay left for the Lok Bhavan with their letters, but turned back since he did not get an appointment with the Governor.
Sources said the Governor was scheduled to Kerala to take care of his gubernatorial duties in that state.
Senior Congress leaders including K Selvaperunthagai and Girish Chodankar, along with their Left party counterparts, had already reached the Lok Bhavan, when the appointment was denied.
Accusing the Lok Bhavan of backtracking, Selvaperunthagai claimed that they were initially asked to visit, but were now being told that no such invitation was extended.
With the delegation failing to get an appointment, Vijay returned home, but once again turned back and headed to the Lok Bhavan after a 6.30 pm appointment was granted.
