Vijay’s Tamil Nadu CM Bid Faces Major Political Twists Amid Majority Battle
Tamil Nadu witnessed dramatic political developments on Friday, May 8, 2026, as actor-politician Vijay moved closer to becoming Chief Minister but still remained short of a confirmed majority. Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) gained support from Congress, CPI, and CPI(M), taking its strength to 116 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly. However, reports said Vijay submitted signatures of only 116 MLAs to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, falling two short of the required 118 seats needed to form the government.
The situation became more complicated after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) delayed officially backing Vijay. While the party initially hinted at support and held discussions internally, it later announced that chief Thol Thirumavalavan would reveal the final decision only on Saturday morning. Reports also claimed TVK leaders struggled to contact Thirumavalavan for nearly two hours as they desperately sought VCK’s support to cross the majority mark. Sources further suggested VCK demanded the Deputy Chief Minister post in exchange for support, while TVK was reportedly willing to offer only the Urban Affairs portfolio.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) clarified that it would continue supporting the DMK-led alliance despite speculation about backing TVK. Meanwhile, fears of political poaching emerged after reports claimed four Congress MLAs had quietly moved to Hyderabad. The political tension intensified further when AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran accused TVK of using a forged support letter carrying the signature of his MLA Kamaraj from Mannargudi. TVK responded by releasing a purported video showing Kamaraj signing the letter, but Dhinakaran still filed a complaint alleging forgery.
In another major twist, TTV Dhinakaran met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and urged him to invite AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami to form the government instead of Vijay. CPI(M) leader MA Baby also claimed that the DMK had explored supporting an AIADMK-led government from outside to stop Vijay from taking office, though Left parties rejected the idea. The Left defended its support for Vijay, calling it necessary to protect secularism, federalism, and the people’s mandate in Tamil Nadu.
