Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has asked Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay to prove majority in the state Legislative Assembly, following a second meeting at Raj Bhavan on Thursday. Although TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member House, it falls short of the 118-mark needed for a majority, the Governor stated.

Vijay staked claim on Wednesday, submitting letters of support from the Congress, which won five seats. Even with that backing, TVK's strength stands at 112, and will drop to 107 once Vijay, who won two seats, vacates one. The Governor has not yet accepted the claim, prompting speculation about legal action, with TVK reportedly considering approaching the courts based on precedents from Karnataka.

The party is also in talks with left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), both part of the outgoing DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. VCK chief Thirumavalavan said his party remains with the SPA but will decide on support within 48 hours. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized the Governor's statement as 'unconstitutional,' asserting that majority should be proven on the Assembly floor, not by executive direction.

BJP spokesperson Narayanan Tirupathy said the Governor would act in accordance with the Constitution. 'The electorate has ensured no single party has an absolute majority. The process will follow democratic norms,' he said. The swearing-in date remains uncertain.

The court will hear any petition on government formation by Monday, while the Governor is expected to issue a formal direction by the end of the week.