TVK falls 10 seats short of majority in Tamil Nadu, eyes alliance
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Ending nearly six decades of Dravidian political dominance in Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as a surprise frontrunner in the 2026 Assembly elections.
In its maiden electoral outing, TVK has made a strong political entry and established itself as a major force in the state. However, it has fallen short of securing a simple majority on its own.
In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, a party needs at least 118 seats to form the government. TVK is currently leading in 108 constituencies, leaving it 10 seats short of the halfway mark.
Adding to the arithmetic challenge, C. Joseph Vijay has won from two constituencies — Perambur and Tiruchy East — and will have to vacate one seat, reducing the party’s effective tally. In addition, one elected MLA will have to be appointed as Speaker. Since the Speaker does not vote during a confidence motion except in the event of a tie, this further reduces TVK’s voting strength.
As a result, TVK will require support from at least 12 additional legislators to comfortably prove its majority on the Assembly floor.
Post-poll numbers indicate that smaller parties and alliances may play a decisive role. The DMK-led alliance has delivered a fragmented outcome, with the Congress winning six seats, the Left parties — CPI and CPI(M) — securing two seats each, while the Indian Union Muslim League and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi have also won representation.
On the other side, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led alliance has registered modest gains, with the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Bharatiya Janata Party among those winning a limited number of seats.
If TVK manages to secure backing from even a section of these parties or independents, it could cross the majority mark without requiring full support from all groups within the alliances.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arelekar is expected to begin the government formation process. He may invite C. Joseph Vijay to stake claim and prove majority support on the Assembly floor or seek letters of support from allied parties.
If TVK fails to demonstrate a clear majority, the Governor could invite the second-largest party, the DMK, to attempt government formation. Should all options fail, the state may come under President’s Rule, followed by fresh elections within six months.
With IANS inputs