Chennai, May 6, 2026 – In a dramatic shift that has sent shockwaves through Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, the Congress party has abandoned its long-standing alliance with the DMK and extended support to actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the next government following a fragmented Assembly election verdict.
TVK, contesting its maiden election, emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, falling just short of the 118-seat majority needed in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Incumbent DMK secured around 59 seats, while AIADMK managed about 47. No pre-poll alliance achieved a clear majority, paving the way for intense post-poll negotiations.
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party formally announced their decision to back TVK for government formation. With Congress winning 5 seats as part of the erstwhile DMK-led alliance, the combined strength of TVK and Congress now stands at 113. Leaders from both sides indicated that the arrangement could evolve into a longer-term electoral pact covering local body polls, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha elections.
Congress leaders, including senior functionaries, met TVK chief Vijay at the party headquarters to formalize the understanding. The support comes with a key condition: the alliance will remain free of “communal forces,” implicitly ruling out any involvement of the BJP or its proxies, with an aim to establish a “secular government.”
The move marks the effective end of the decades-old Congress-DMK alliance in the state. DMK leaders have reacted sharply, accusing Congress of “backstabbing” and betraying the INDIA bloc. The development has also raised concerns about opposition unity at the national level, with the BJP describing it as evidence of the INDIA alliance “falling apart.”
TVK, on its part, has staked claim to form the government, positioning the Congress backing as a reflection of the people’s mandate for change. Sources indicate that efforts are underway to secure additional support from other parties, including possible backing from Left parties or the VCK, which were earlier part of the DMK alliance.
This realignment represents a significant transformation in Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian political ecosystem. For the Congress, the decision signals a strategic repositioning towards the rising popularity of TVK while distancing itself from the incumbent DMK. Political observers note that the hung verdict has forced parties to prioritize stability and governance over traditional loyalties.
As developments unfold rapidly, further clarity is expected on cabinet allocations, power-sharing formulas, and the contours of the new alliance. The Governor’s decision on inviting the largest post-poll combination to form the government will be closely watched in the coming days.
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