In separate yet identically phrased letters sent to the Governor, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan and IUML national president K.M. Kader Mohideen expressed their support for the TVK under the leadership of C. Joseph Vijay. Each party has two MLAs-elect and contested the elections as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance.
With the backing of both VCK and IUML, the TVK’s count has now reached 120 MLAs-elect, surpassing the majority threshold of 118. The party had previously garnered support from five Congress MLAs-elect and two legislators each from the CPI and CPI(M). TVK itself won 108 seats, with Vijay contesting from two different constituencies.
Commenting on the decision, Thirumavalavan stated that VCK provided support to facilitate the formation of the government by TVK and to avoid a President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu.
“We have offered our support to make sure the VCK does not hinder Mr. Vijay’s TVK, which has secured 108 seats and forming the government, and to avert the imposition of President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu,” he elaborated.
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“Our alliance within the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance will remain intact. As a political entity, we have made this choice exercising our independent right. This will not impact our fellowship with the DMK,” Thirumavalavan further noted.
The IUML’s choice surprised many, especially since Mohideen had previously asserted that the party was solidly integrated within the DMK-led alliance and had not issued any letter in support of Vijay’s party.
Meanwhile, DMK leader M.K. Stalin extended his congratulations to the incoming government after the TVK surpassed the majority mark.
Following this, Vijay met with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Raj Bhavan in Chennai, presenting the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly. He is scheduled to be sworn in as Chief Minister tomorrow.
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(Edited by : Asmita Pant)
First Published: May 9, 2026 6:57 PM IST