Published May 09, 2026 | 5:08 PM ⚊ Updated May 09, 2026 | 6:04 PM
Vijay and Thol. Thirumavalavan.
Synopsis: With the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and IUML extending their support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to form the government in Tamil Nadu, the alliance’s tally has now reached the crucial majority mark of 118 seats.
Ending hours of suspense, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) on Saturday, 9 May, extended unconditional support to C Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to form the next government in Tamil Nadu.
Besides VCK, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), too, has extended support to TVK.
With the support of VCK, and IUML — both with two members each — TVK now has the backing of 120 members, two above the requisite simple majority of 118 members in the 234-member Assembly.
TVK election wing secretary and Aadhav Arjuna, who won from Villivakkam, met VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan and received the letter of support.
“Under the instructions of our party president Thol. Thirumavalavan, I, Vanni Arasu, as the leader of the Legislature Party of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, on behalf of our two members of Legislative Assembly, do hereby convey our unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kzhagam under the leadership of its President and Legislative Party Leader, Mr. C Joseph Vijay, for the purpose of formation of the government in the state of Tamil Nadu,” the letter, also signed by Thirumavalavan, said.
The Congress party had already announced the support of its five MLAs-elect to TVK.
On Friday, 8 May, the CPI and the CPI(M), too, issued letters in support of TVK. The VCK, CPI and CPI(M) have two each elected members. Along with the Congress, these three parties have been part of the DMK-led alliance.
With VCK extending its support, the TVK leaders are likely to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and stake claim to form the government.
It was reported on Friday that Vijay would be sworn in as the chief minister at 11 am on Saturday. However, with his party unable to get enough support to prove the majority, the governor had declined its claim to form the government.
The TVK, which emerged as the single-largest party in the 23 April elections, won 108 seats, 10 short of the required majority, forcing the party to seek support from others.
