The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee announced statewide protests on May 8 against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for not inviting Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief C. Joseph Vijay to form the government despite his party emerging as the single-largest in the assembly elections. Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai accused the Governor of acting at the behest of the Union government and attempting to deny the party its democratic mandate through backroom manoeuvring.

Selvaperunthagai alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Governor are indulging in unconstitutional actions to destabilise the popular mandate delivered in the recently concluded assembly elections. He said the party will hold protests at all district headquarters on Friday morning and directed senior leaders, district presidents, legislators, and cadres to participate in large numbers.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured 108 seats in the 234-member assembly, creating a major political upheaval in the state. The Congress, which has extended support to the party, has argued that the Governor should invite Vijay to form the government and prove his majority on the floor of the house in keeping with established conventions.

Raj Bhavan sources indicated that the Governor has sought proof of adequate numerical support before taking a final decision on inviting any party or alliance to form the government. The office will review claims of majority support before making a formal decision on government formation.