Political uncertainty deepens in Tamil Nadu as TVK approaches the Supreme Court over Governor R.V. Arlekar’s delay in inviting the party to form the government after the 2026 Assembly election results triggered a major post-poll deadlock.
Political uncertainty continued to intensify in Tamil Nadu on Friday after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam approached the Supreme Court of India over the delay in inviting the party to form the next government following the 2026 Assembly election results.
The actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay-led party, which emerged as the single largest formation in the 234-member Assembly, filed a writ petition in the apex court alleging inaction by Governor R.V. Arlekar regarding its claim to form the government. The petition, filed by Ezhilarasi K, has been registered as Diary Number 28509/2026 and is currently pending before the court.
The move comes amid a dramatic post-election deadlock in the southern state after TVK secured 108 seats, remaining short of the majority mark of 118 by just 10 seats. However, the party has steadily strengthened its numbers through support from several opposition parties.
Support from the Indian National Congress initially pushed TVK’s tally to 112 MLAs. The numbers rose further after the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) announced support for the Vijay-led outfit. Both Left parties hold two seats each in the Assembly, taking TVK’s effective strength to 116.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Chennai by CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian and CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam. The leaders clarified that their parties would support the TVK from outside and would not seek ministerial positions in any future government.
Despite the growing support base, the Governor’s office reportedly informed TVK that the party must demonstrate the backing of at least 118 MLAs before any Constitutional process related to government formation could move forward.
Vijay had earlier met Governor Arlekar and formally staked claim to form the government. However, reports indicated that the Governor insisted the party first establish a clear majority in the Assembly. Vijay again met the Governor earlier this week in a meeting that reportedly lasted over 40 minutes.
Soon after the meeting, the Raj Bhavan released a statement noting that TVK currently did not possess the required numbers to independently form the government. The statement added that the Governor had discussed the Constitutional position surrounding government formation in a hung Assembly.
The TVK now requires the support of at least two more MLAs to cross the halfway mark. Political observers believe the support of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League could prove decisive in the coming days.
Meanwhile, intense political activity continued across Chennai as major parties reassessed their strategies in the evolving post-poll landscape. Sources indicated that senior leaders from both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam held separate consultations amid speculation over possible alignments and support equations.
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Political analysts believe the next few days will be crucial in determining not only who forms the government in Tamil Nadu but also the long-term stability of the administration in one of India’s most politically significant states.
