Vijay Falls Short of Majority Mark as IUML, AMMK Refuse Support

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, May 8, 2026: Actor-politician Vijay’s bid to form the government in Tamil Nadu faced a setback on Friday after two potential allies — the IUML and AMMK — refused to extend support to the TVK-led alliance.

The development came hours after Vijay met Governor R V Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, asserting that he had the backing of 118 MLAs. However, sources in the Raj Bhavan said Vijay failed to provide written letters of support from the required number of legislators in the 234-member Assembly, where the majority mark stands at 118.

According to sources, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) currently has the support of 116 MLAs, despite hectic negotiations with parties including the VCK, AMMK and an IUML MLA.

The IUML later issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance. AMMK chief T T V Dhinakaran also reportedly wrote to the Governor urging that the AIADMK be invited to form the government, dealing another blow to Vijay’s efforts.

Amid the uncertainty, the Congress has reportedly shifted its five Tamil Nadu MLAs to Hyderabad.

Despite the setback, TVK leaders remained optimistic. TVK MLA Marie Wilson expressed confidence that Vijay would eventually become Chief Minister.

“TVK chief Vijay will be the Chief Minister, not just for five years but for the future also. We are thankful to all alliance partners,” he said, adding that clarity on the swearing-in could emerge by late night.

TVK emerged as the single largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections, winning 108 seats in its electoral debut and ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics.

However, Governor Arlekar is understood to have insisted on documentary proof of majority support before inviting Vijay to form the government. Vijay reportedly held multiple meetings with the Governor over the past two days but could not secure enough letters of support.

The Congress had extended support to the TVK after parting ways with the DMK, but reportedly laid down conditions that the TVK should not align with “communal parties,” in an apparent reference to the BJP-backed AIADMK alliance.