Tamil Nadu Forms First Coalition Government After 60 Years of Single-Party Rule

Tamil Nadu has formed its first coalition government in history, ending six decades of single-party rule, after Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) secured support from Congress, VCK, CPI, CPM, and IUML to cross the 118-seat majority mark in the 234-member assembly. TVK won 107 seats, falling short of a majority, prompting negotiations that culminated in formal backing from allied parties, collectively delivering a working majority of 120 seats.

Congress extended support after breaking from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, conditioning its backing on TVK severing ties with the BJP. CPI and CPM committed two seats each, while VCK and IUML each added two, finalizing the numbers. A joint press conference by CPI, CPM, and VCK confirmed the alliance, marking a historic reversal of the state's long-standing practice of 'win together, rule alone' under Dravidian parties.

VCK is demanding the deputy chief minister post and an additional cabinet berth, along with a guaranteed MP seat when its leader Thol. Thirumavalavan vacates his Lok Sabha seat. The party also seeks the assembly seat Vijay will vacate after choosing between his two won constituencies. Congress and the Left did not make preconditions for support.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected within 48 hours at Raj Bhavan. The Election Commission has confirmed the TVK-led alliance as the single largest pre-poll coalition, eligible to form the government. The state assembly will convene for the floor test on May 15, 2026.