Tamil Nadu has entered a dramatic phase of political uncertainty after the 2026 Assembly election delivered a fractured mandate and placed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay at the centre of intense government formation negotiations.

The actor turned politician, whose party emerged as the single largest force in the Assembly, is now struggling to secure the support required to cross the majority mark and formally stake claim to form the next government.

The political developments over the past two days have triggered sharp reactions across party lines, raised constitutional questions regarding the Governor's role and intensified speculation about possible realignments among regional parties. The focus now remains firmly on whether Vijay can secure the support of 118 MLAs required for a majority in the 234 member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Vijay visited Lok Bhavan in Chennai for the second consecutive day to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. During the meeting, the Governor reportedly informed the TVK chief that he would need to demonstrate the support of at least 118 legislators before he could be invited to form a stable government in the state. Sources indicated that Vijay submitted letters of support from 113 MLAs, falling short of the majority mark by five legislators.

TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly election and emerged as the single largest party in the state. The Congress has extended support through five MLAs, taking the alliance tally to 113. However, the Governor has insisted that additional support must be formally demonstrated before any swearing in ceremony can take place.

The situation has sparked a major constitutional and political debate in Tamil Nadu. Opposition leaders and constitutional experts have argued that as the leader of the single largest party, Vijay should first be invited to form the government and then be asked to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly within a stipulated period. Supporters of the Governor's position maintain that constitutional stability requires assurance of a workable majority before administering the oath of office.

The developments have also created a fresh political battleground between the BJP and opposition parties. Congress leaders accused the Governor of acting under pressure from the BJP leadership and deliberately delaying the government formation process. Congress MP Manickam Tagore alleged that national level political considerations were influencing Raj Bhavan decisions despite the BJP having only marginal electoral presence in Tamil Nadu.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal strongly criticised the Governor's approach and claimed that constitutional conventions were being ignored. He argued that the largest party in a hung Assembly traditionally receives the first opportunity to form the government and prove its majority later on the Assembly floor. Sibal further alleged that delays in inviting Vijay were intended to create time for political manipulation and alliance engineering.

The Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India Marxist also raised concerns over the ongoing delay. Leaders from both parties stated that the Governor should invite Vijay to form the government in accordance with democratic norms. However, neither party has yet formally announced support for the TVK government proposal.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalavan similarly argued that Vijay should be given the constitutional opportunity to prove his majority after assuming office. At the same time, VCK leaders clarified that support to TVK would depend on assurances that the new government would remain independent from BJP or RSS influence.

These political calculations have significantly complicated the government formation process. While several opposition parties have expressed sympathy for Vijay's constitutional claim, many remain cautious about formally joining the alliance without clarity regarding policy direction and political stability.

Adding to the uncertainty are reports of possible backchannel negotiations between the DMK and AIADMK. Media reports suggested that discussions may be underway regarding a possible arrangement under which AIADMK could attempt to form the government with outside support from the DMK and smaller parties. Although no official confirmation has emerged, the mere speculation has shocked political observers because the two Dravidian rivals have historically remained bitter opponents.

MDMK leader Durai Vaiko described such reports as surprising and difficult to believe, though he acknowledged hearing similar discussions from journalists and political contacts. If such a political arrangement were to materialise, it could completely reshape Tamil Nadu politics and prevent Vijay from taking office despite leading the single largest party.

The AIADMK has further intensified speculation by shifting 28 MLAs to a private resort in Puducherry amid fears of poaching and cross voting. Party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami held internal consultations with legislators while remaining publicly silent about future strategy.

Meanwhile, TVK leaders have accelerated outreach efforts toward smaller parties and regional groups. Party representatives met leaders of CPI, CPM, VCK and IUML in Chennai seeking additional support for government formation. TVK leaders also clarified that they were not exploring any discussions with the BJP led NDA alliance.

Congress leaders openly supported Vijay's claim to power and emphasised ideological alignment on secular politics. Congress MP Christopher Tilak stated that Vijay strongly believed in secular democratic values and argued that supporting TVK was necessary to prevent ideological expansion of Hindutva politics in Tamil Nadu.