According to Lok Bhavan, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar remains unconvinced that TVK has attained the necessary majority in the 234-member Assembly. The party claims to be the single largest entity post-elections, currently holding 108 MLAs and receiving support from five Congress legislators, bringing their count to 112—still falling short of the 118 needed for a majority.
No additional backing has been confirmed thus far, with smaller parties like the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which has two MLAs, yet to make a final decision. The report mentioned that the Governor has requested Vijay to show support from at least 118 legislators before any swearing-in occurs.
Earlier in the day, Vijay met with the Governor alongside senior party officials and officially claimed the right to form the government. During this meeting, he presented a letter of support signed by 108 MLAs endorsing his candidacy for the Chief Minister position, sources informed CNN-News18.
This development comes amid an impressive electoral entry for TVK. According to CNN-News18, early counting trends indicated the party was leading in approximately 100 of the 234 constituencies, placing it ahead of both the AIADMK-led alliance and the ruling DMK coalition.
The report highlighted that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance was trailing in about 80 seats, with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led front further behind, holding leads in around 50 constituencies.
In response to these trends, TVK spokesperson Felix Gerard remarked to CNN-News18 that the results demonstrated a clear shift in voter sentiment, describing it as a “sign of trust in Vijay.” He emphasized that the party felt no necessity for alliances, asserting its intent to independently form the government, as per the report.
Tamil Nadu held voting in a single phase on April 23, with counting conducted for all 234 seats. Should these trends reflect the final results, TVK’s performance would significantly alter the state’s historically bipolar political scene dominated by the DMK and AIADMK.
