Actor-politician Vijay is likely to resign from the Trichy East Assembly seat while retaining Perambur after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single largest force in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, sources said on Tuesday.
Vijay, who contested from both constituencies, won Perambur by 53,715 votes against the DMK’s R D Shekar and defeated DMK candidate Inigo Irudayaraj in Trichy East by 27,416 votes.
The TVK, contesting its first Assembly election, secured 108 seats in the 234-member House, ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics. The party, however, remains 10 seats short of the majority mark of 118, prompting discussions with potential allies to form the next government.
Political discussions intensified on Tuesday as TVK leadership began informal outreach to parties, including the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI, and CPI(M). Together, these parties hold enough seats to help Vijay comfortably cross the halfway mark in the Assembly.
Sources indicated that the Congress could be offered two Cabinet berths in a possible coalition arrangement, while smaller allies may receive one ministerial position each. TVK is also expected to allocate additional portfolios to allies as the party prepares for its first stint in government.
The emergence of coalition politics marks a significant shift for Tamil Nadu, where governments have traditionally been dominated by a single party or alliance led by either the DMK or AIADMK.
VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan signalled openness to a coalition arrangement, saying voters appeared to favour a broader secular front in the state. Party sources said Vijay had remained open to coalition governance even during the election campaign.
Attention has also turned to possible administrative appointments and future by-elections. Former IAS officer U Sagayam, known for his anti-corruption image, is reportedly being considered for a legislative role through a bypoll if Vijay vacates the Trichy East seat.
TVK legislators are expected to formally elect Vijay as their legislative party leader later on Tuesday. Following this, the Governor is expected to invite him to form the government once the party demonstrates majority support.
According to party sources, Vijay may seek up to a week to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly even as preparations begin for the swearing-in of a new government by the weekend.