Tamil Nadu Assembly Election Results 2026 | 4 plus there, 2 minus here: Vijay sweats at the finishing line as VCK keeps TVK on edge

Ever since the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results were declared on May 4, the state’s political landscape has witnessed rapid and dramatic shifts, with alliances appearing and collapsing within hours.

At the centre of the uncertainty has been actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, whose party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) repeatedly seemed on the cusp of power before falling short of the numbers needed to form the government.

What initially looked like a breakthrough for Vijay’s TVK soon became complicated. While the Congress extended support, confusion emerged after the VCK delayed announcing its stand and the IUML chose to stay with the DMK-led alliance. As negotiations intensified, reports of missing MLA signatures, demands for key cabinet positions, and parallel lobbying by the AIADMK camp added fresh layers to the unfolding political drama.

Although Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Friday to stake claim to form the government, uncertainty persisted over whether he had secured the required majority in the 234-member Assembly. Questions also surfaced over the anticipated swearing-in ceremony, which had earlier been expected to take place today.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar meets TVK chief Vijay and others in connection with securing an invite from the latter to form the government.

How the numbers unfolded?

TVK appeared to edge closer to power after receiving support from Congress’ five MLAs along with two legislators each from the CPI and CPI(M). The backing pushed the alliance tally to 116. However, despite claims that outside support had effectively secured a majority, reports suggested Vijay submitted signatures of only 116 MLAs to the Governor that is still below the 118-mark required to form the government.

TVK chief Vijay during a meeting with CPI(M) Tamil Nadu state secretary P Shanmugam and others during the former's visit to the CPI(M) headquarters.

VCK’s shifting position

The role of the Thol Thirumavalavan-led VCK soon became crucial. Earlier indications suggested the party was inclined to support Vijay, and it reportedly convened a high-level online meeting to deliberate on the matter. But by Friday evening, the party issued a statement saying contradictory media reports had created confusion, adding that its official position would be announced only on Saturday.

Soon after, reports indicated that negotiations between TVK and VCK had hit a roadblock over power-sharing arrangements. According to reports, VCK sought the Deputy Chief Minister’s post in return for support, while TVK was reportedly prepared to offer only the Urban Affairs portfolio, leading to a deadlock.

IUML backs away

The IUML, which was initially speculated to be leaning towards TVK, later publicly distanced itself from the support. Reaffirming its loyalty to the DMK alliance, the party declared: “We were with DMK yesterday, are with it today, and will remain with it tomorrow.”

Missing signatures and forgery claims

The political turmoil deepened after TTV Dhinakaran alleged that his party MLA Kamaraj from Mannargudi had gone missing during the government formation process.

Soon after, Dhinakaran accused Vijay’s party of using forged support letters carrying Kamaraj’s signature to strengthen its claim before the Governor. TVK, however, countered the allegation by releasing a purported video that allegedly showed Kamaraj signing the support letter with Dhinakaran’s consent. Despite the accusations, Dhinakaran did file a formal police complaint over the alleged forgery.

Adding another twist, Dhinakaran later met Governor Arlekar and urged him to invite Edappadi K Palaniswami to form the government instead of Vijay.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar meets AMMK chief T T V Dhinakaran in connection with Vijay-led TVK forming the new government.

DMK’s reported strategy

Amid the fast-changing equations, reports also suggested that the DMK had explored the possibility of extending outside support to an AIADMK-led government, primarily to prevent Vijay from assuming office.

For now, Tamil Nadu remains caught in a political deadlock, with uncertainty continuing over who will ultimately form the next government. As negotiations continue, the state’s political scene appears set for more twists in the days ahead.