Chennai, May 6, 2026: Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) has intensified efforts to secure post-poll alliances after emerging as the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections but falling short of a majority. With 108 seats in the 234-member house, TVK is now actively courting support from smaller parties, particularly the Communist Party of India (CPI), following a formal backing from the Congress.
TVK’s tally of 108 seats leaves it just 10 short of the 118 required for a simple majority. The party has already received a significant boost with the Congress, which won 5 seats, extending full support. Congress leaders met Vijay at the TVK headquarters and pledged their backing, citing the need for a secular government and explicitly ruling out any alignment with communal forces, widely interpreted as a bar on BJP-linked elements. This move marks a major shift, effectively ending Congress’s long-standing alliance with the DMK.
Following the Congress endorsement, TVK’s effective strength stands at 113 seats. The party has now reached out to the CPI, which secured 2 seats in the election. CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian confirmed that the party would take a decision if formally approached to support government formation. Similarly, the CPI(M), which also holds 2 seats, has received outreach from TVK and stated it would decide based on Vijay’s clear stance on key issues. The Left parties have traditionally been aligned with the DMK-led front but appear open to fresh discussions amid the fluid post-poll scenario.
TVK has also approached other smaller players including the VCK (2 seats) and IUML, with responses remaining cautious and often conditioned on commitments to secularism and progressive policies. Meanwhile, the DMK and its allies suffered a significant setback in the polls, leading to reports of internal realignments. Some speculation has emerged about possible DMK-AIADMK discussions, though AIADMK has issued mixed signals regarding support to any formation.
Vijay has already met the Governor and staked claim to form the government. With Congress on board, TVK needs just a handful of additional seats or abstentions to cross the majority mark. The support of the two Left parties — CPI and CPI(M) — could prove decisive in the coming days.
The developments signal a major realignment in Tamil Nadu politics. TVK’s impressive debut as a new force has disrupted traditional alliances, forcing parties across the spectrum to reassess their positions. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on whether the Left parties will extend support to Vijay’s outfit, potentially paving the way for a new government led by TVK.
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