DMK Claims Role in Vijay's Rise as Tamil Nadu CM Amid Post-Poll Alliance Shifts

The DMK has claimed credit for facilitating the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu under TVK chief C Joseph Vijay, asserting that party president MK Stalin played a decisive role in rallying alliance partners to prevent a constitutional crisis. Speaking to ANI, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai said Stalin had prioritized stability and held extensive consultations with allies following the inconclusive 2026 Assembly elections, which left no party with a clear majority.

Vijay, whose TVK emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats in the 234-member Assembly, secured support from the Indian National Congress, Communist parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and Indian Union Muslim League, reaching 120 MLAs—above the 118-seat majority mark. While the Congress formally announced support for Vijay, the DMK accused it of 'backstabbing,' alleging that its five winning candidates owed their victories to DMK's grassroots machinery, including booth-level workers and polling agents.

The swearing-in ceremony for Vijay is scheduled for Sunday at 10 AM at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, where Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will administer the oath of office. Senior political and film industry figures are expected to attend the event.

The DMK, which did not join the Vijay-led government, positioned itself as a key player in ensuring constitutional continuity, emphasizing Stalin's behind-the-scenes coordination. The party did not rule out future collaboration but maintained its distance from the new administration.

The Governor has confirmed the schedule for the swearing-in, and the state assembly is expected to convene its first session within the coming week to test the government's majority on the floor.