Published May 07, 2026 | 11:39 PM ⚊ Updated May 07, 2026 | 11:39 PM
Depending on the decision taken by the DMK leadership, Tamil Nadu’s political situation could shift dramatically at any moment.
Synopsis: A proposal by the AIADMK to form the government in Tamil Nadu with DMK’s outside support was broached in the DMK meeting on Thursday by MLAs concerned about a hung assembly. DMK’s alliance partners like VCK, CPI(M), CPI and IUML hold the key to government formation if they extend support to TVK.
Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is changing by the hour, with the question of who will come together to help form the government still hanging in the balance.
On one hand, the Governor has delayed inviting Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government, arguing that TVK, despite emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, does not yet command a majority.
On the other hand, a proposal by AIADMK seeking DMK’s support to form the govenrment was broached before MK Stalin in a party meeting on Thursday. The question of considering AIADMK’s proposal was reportedly brought up by MLAs after MK Stalin had already categorically stated that DMK would not disturb Vijay for six month and TVK should go ahead and form the government.
According to sources, the AIADMK has proposed that it should lead the government, while the DMK would extend outside support.
At this point, it appears to be a discussion before DMK leadership. Depending on the decision taken by the DMK leadership, Tamil Nadu’s political situation could shift dramatically at any moment.
Though unprecedented and almost unimaginable given their decades-long rivalry, circumstances are now said to be pushing the DMK and AIADMK to even consider a possible alliance to form the government.
On the morning of 7 May, DMK president MK Stalin reportedly met alliance leaders, including Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan, along with representatives of the two Communist parties — M Veerapandian and P Shanmugam. Sources said discussions on multiple possibilities, including an arrangement of DMK’s support to AIADMK was discussed during the meeting, with the final decision left to the respective parties.
Meanwhile, during the DMK MLAs’ meeting held later in the evening amid the rapidly shifting political situation, a resolution was passed authorising MK Stalin to take any decision in the interest of Tamil Nadu and the party. Legislators were also instructed to abide by whatever decision the party leadership takes.
Sources further claimed that several senior DMK functionaries are urging Stalin to seriously consider backing the AIADMK. This comes even as MK Stalin has been measured in his response that an alliance with the AIADMK would be untenable.
Speaking to South First, a key VCK leader confirmed the development, saying, “AIADMK has proposed that it should form the government while the DMK extends support from outside. The DMK is seriously considering the proposal.”
Senior journalist R Radhakrishnan, when asked whether a DMK-AIADMK alliance had almost become certain, responded, “I think so. That’s all I know.”
These developments indicate that intense negotiations may be under way between the DMK and AIADMK regarding a possible power-sharing arrangement.
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There also appears to be a noticeable shift in the tone adopted by DMK alliance parties.
Until recently, parties such as the VCK and the Communist parties had maintained that they remained firmly committed to the secular progressive alliance. However, they are now saying that discussions are under way regarding Vijay’s letter seeking support, and that a collective decision would be announced after consultations.
To deliberate on the issue, both the CPI(M) and CPI are scheduled to hold separate meetings on 8 May.
A senior VCK leader told South First that the party would also consult its senior leadership after observing the decisions taken by the Communist parties before announcing its stand.
Similarly, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national president KM Kader Mohideen, who had until now repeatedly maintained that the party’s ideological alliance was solely with the DMK, told reporters today, “We have also received an invitation from Vijay’s side. But we will act according to what Chief Minister MK Stalin decides.”
This indicates that alliance parties are no longer expressing unconditional support for the DMK alone and are instead keeping their options open.
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If such an unprecedented alliance between the DMK and AIADMK does materialise, the AIADMK would likely have to distance itself from the BJP. At the same time, parties such as the PMK and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) may also have to be brought into the arrangement.
Similarly, the DMK would need to retain the support of allies such as the VCK, Communist parties and IUML.
If all these numbers come together, the DMK’s 68 seats and AIADMK’s 52 seats would together take the alliance to 120 seats, enough to comfortably form the government.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s in-charge Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, speaking to a private television channel today, said, “Whoever is able to demonstrate majority support will be invited to form the government.”
His remarks are now being seen as leaving the door open even for a possible DMK-AIADMK arrangement.
The biggest question now dominating Tamil Nadu politics is whether this historic and unexpected alliance will actually become a reality.
