TVK Secures Majority to Form Tamil Nadu Government, Allies to Get Cabinet Berths

Tamil Nadu will see its first coalition government led by actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) after securing support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM), and other smaller parties. With this backing, TVK's strength rises to 121 in the 234-member Assembly, surpassing the required 118 majority mark, ending a political stalemate with Governor RV Arlekar over government formation.

The VCK, CPI, and CPM, each holding two MLAs, have formally extended support to TVK following high-level talks. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan is likely to take up a ministerial position. The Left parties will be allocated two cabinet berths between them, while the Congress, which provided conditional support, expects two ministerial posts despite not being part of the initial alliance.

TVK won 108 seats in the assembly elections, while the DMK was reduced to 59 and AIADMK to 47. The coalition includes Congress (5 MLAs), VCK (2), CPI (2), CPM (2), one IUML MLA, and the lone AMMK representative. Governor RV Arlekar, who had earlier questioned Vijay's claim to form the government, has now acknowledged the majority.

The swearing-in ceremony and allocation of portfolios are expected to be finalized in the coming days, following formal communications with the Governor's office. The next steps include the official notification of the Council of Ministers and the convening of the first Assembly session.