CHENNAI — Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Wednesday to stake claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu, despite currently lacking the required 118-seat majority in the 234-member Assembly. While the TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, the Governor reportedly directed the actor-turned-politician to return with formal letters of support from at least 118 legislators.

The TVK’s effective strength is expected to adjust to 107 seats as Vijay must vacate one of the two constituencies he won, Tiruchirapalli East and Perambur. Although the five-member Congress legislative party has officially pledged its support to the TVK, the combined tally of 113 remains five seats below the threshold required for government formation.

Sources indicate that the TVK has initiated contact with the AIADMK, which holds 47 seats, to secure the remaining support. The shift in alliance by the Congress has drawn criticism from the DMK, which won 59 seats, with party leaders labeling the move as a betrayal of the existing INDIA bloc partnership.

The Governor’s office has confirmed receipt of the TVK’s claim but has not yet issued a formal invitation for a swearing-in ceremony. A decision on the timeline for the new government is expected once the TVK submits additional proof of majority support.