CHENNAI: After ending days of suspense, war of words accusing the Governor and the Centre for not inviting the party, and all sorts of wild and unimaginable rumours, including claims that the DMK was extending support to the AIADMK, actor Joseph Vijay’s TVK received relief as the Left parties and the VCK assured outside support to help it reach the halfway mark in the 234-member State Assembly.
During the past two days, all political offices were abuzz with hectic activities, working to keep themselves ready for any eventuality, as the TVK, which has only 108 seats along with five from Congress, was struggling to secure the necessary numbers to prove its majority.
In haste and due to lack of knowledge, the TVK presented a letter staking claim as a post-poll alliance instead of as the Single Largest Party. The Governor’s office took note of this technical lapse and asked Vijay to satisfy him in writing regarding the remaining required numbers. Instead of providing the numbers immediately, the TVK played the victim card, while the Left parties, Congress and VCK started blaming the Centre and Raj Bhavan for delaying the installation of the TVK government.
In the meanwhile, through a superstar actor, back-channel talks were reportedly initiated to avoid the TVK forming the government.
As a fallout, there were secret parleys with AIADMK and DMK leaders. It is reported that the DMK, a hard foe of the AIADMK, agreed to extend outside support to prevent the TVK from forming the government.
Only developments towards this end were being discussed in media offices, television channels and social media platforms during the past 24 hours.
The TVK, on its part, tried its best to cobble together the needed support by talking directly with the CPI, CPI(M) and VCK, all allies of the DMK, to lend support.
The IUML and other Muslim outfits reportedly gave a point-blank refusal to support the TVK.
However, the Communist parties and the VCK found a golden opportunity for their political survival and other monetary benefits.
Pretending to be uninterested in extending support, both the Left parties and the VCK were reportedly waiting to extract assurances and benefits in return for their support. The VCK chief reportedly wanted to be accommodated in the Deputy Chief Minister’s post and also sought permission to contest from Tiruchy East, where he won, and later resign while retaining the Perambur seat.
After noon, political activities in all camps picked up momentum at high speed.
At per latest update, TVK’s Vijay had reached the Governor’s office to present his numbers and stake claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu. It was his third visit to Raj Bhavan. This marks his third consecutive meeting with the Governor since the election results were declared on May 4. The CPI, CPI(M) and VCK have extended support to Vijay’s TVK to help form the next government in Tamil Nadu, according to sources. With this, the TVK has the support of 118 MLAs, crossing the halfway mark. TVK has 107 MLAs, the Congress has five, and the VCK, CPI and CPM have two each.
In a fast phase, developments unfolded following the CPI(M) giving a letter of support to the TVK.
The CPI(M) extends its support to the TVK under the leadership of C. Joseph Vijay to form the government in Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/PVg2hZZ6HN
— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) May 8, 2026
Soon, the CPI followed suit, while the VCK also assured support with its four members.
TTV Dhinakaran, an ally of the NDA, denied having extended any support to the TVK.
AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran clarified that his party’s lone MLA, Kamaraj, had not extended support to the TVK. So, the number stands at 120, including one MLA from the IUML.
https://twotter.com/arvindgunasekar/status/2052723601057653137?s=20
The Left parties, during their press meet announcing their stand, spent most of their time blaming the Governor and Raj Bhavan. During the Communist Party press meet today, one netizen remarked: “First 10 seconds ‘We Support TVK’, next 10 mins ‘BJP, RSS, Sanatanam Ozhiga’, last 5 mins ‘DMK Vazhga’. Ennada press meet ithu?”
Communist Party Press meet today.
First 10 seconds ‘We Support TVK’
Next 10 mins ‘BJP, RSS, Sandhanam Ozhiga’
Last 5 Mins ‘DMK Vazhga’
Ennada press meet Ithu 😂 pic.twitter.com/ChFsAh12Zg
— Anand T Prasad (@itisatp) May 8, 2026
One netizen said: “Shame. Pastors from Andhra Pradesh travelled all the way to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to show their support for Joseph. This is just the beginning. Once he takes oath, many churches and pastors will involve him in their dirty work. His true colours will be exposed.”
Shame. Pastors from Andhra Pradesh travelled all the way to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to show their support for Joseph.
This is just the beginning. Once he takes oath, many churches and pastors will involve him in their dirty work. His true colours will be exposed. pic.twitter.com/1W8bYsean5
— Tathvam-asi (@tathvamasi6) May 8, 2026
Another post on X stated: “Vijay’s mandate has exposed ‘zero morals’ of every other party: made sworn enemies DMK & AIADMK jump into partnership; made Congress diverse; DMK within minutes of the result made Left dump long alliance with DMK; made VCK dump DMK alliance; split AIADMK and resort to rebellion.”
Vijay’s mandate has exposed “zero morals” of every other party:
1️⃣ Made sworn enemies DMK & AIADMK jump into bed
2️⃣ Made Congress divorce DMK within minutes of the result
3️⃣ Made Left dump long alliance with DMK
4️⃣ Made VCK dump DMK alliance
5️⃣ Split AIADMK, resort rebellion— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) May 8, 2026
Another person expressed fear in a post on X, stating: “If new TVK regime, egged on by VCK/Commies, continues the policy of blaming BJP for all constitutional issues, TN will go downhill. For a change, open Navodaya schools of the Centre where free education is given to the poor and downtrodden.”
If New TVK regime egged on by Vck/commies continue the policy of blaming BJP for constipation to constitution issues//TN will go down hill//For a change open Navodaya schools of centre where free edn given to poor and downtrodden :!!RT
— RVAIDYA2000 🕉️ (@rvaidya2000) May 8, 2026
Meanwhile, TVK advocate Ezhilarasi has moved the Apex Court seeking directions to the Governor in-charge to invite the TVK leader to form the government.
BIG BREAKING
உச்சநீதிமன்றம் சென்றது விஜய் "பதவியேற்பு விவகாரம்" !
தமிழக வெற்றி கழகத்தின் தலைவர் விஜயை ஆட்சி அமைக்க அழைக்க கோரி தமிழக பொறுப்பு ஆளுநருக்கு உத்தரவிட உச்சநீதிமன்றத்தில் மனு தாக்கல். தவெக-வை சேர்ந்த வழக்கறிஞர் எழிலரசி என்பவர் மனு தாக்கல்.
— YOGESHWARAN V T (@YOGESHWARANVT1) May 8, 2026
It is learnt that during his third meeting with the Governor, Joseph Vijay finally informed him that he had the numbers to form the government, with five MLAs from Congress and two each from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Communist Party of India, taking the alliance past the majority mark of 118 seats.
Vijay and the Governor had earlier met on May 6 and May 7. On both occasions, the Governor dismissed Vijay’s claim to form the government, arguing that the TVK leader did not have the required support in the House.
