TVK Explores Legal Action After Governor Asks Vijay to Prove Majority in Tamil Nadu
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the newly formed party led by actor Vijay, is exploring legal remedies after Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar declined to invite it to form the government, instead asking the party to demonstrate a majority. TVK emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with 108 seats but must prove majority on the floor of the House within days, according to constitutional practice. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is advising Vijay's legal team on potential legal action, sources said.
TVK has formally approached the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), each holding two seats, to secure support. CTI Nirmal Kumar, a senior TVK leader, delivered letters of alliance request to the parties' state offices. With Congress already pledging its 4 seats, TVK's tally stands at 112; adding the six seats from the three parties would push it past the 118-mark majority threshold.
Singhvi told ANI that the Governor, as custodian of constitutional propriety, should have invited the single largest party to form the government, especially since no other coalition has staked a claim. He cited past precedents, including Karnataka, where the BJP was invited despite falling short of a majority. Congress leaders, including Girish Chodankar, have criticized the Governor's inaction, calling it a deviation from established norms.
Meanwhile, discussions are reported between the DMK, which won 59 seats, and AIADMK, with 47, about a potential alliance, though neither party has confirmed formal talks. TVK must secure written support letters or demonstrate majority during a floor test within the timeframe set by the Governor.
The legal team is assessing whether to file a petition in the Madras High Court if the Governor delays further. The court is expected to decide on the matter within 48 to 72 hours if an appeal is filed, while the Assembly floor test remains the final determinant of government formation.