Can Vijay Form Government With 113 MLAs? Tamil Nadu Faces Constitutional Test

Political uncertainty persisted in Tamil Nadu on Thursday as actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay continued efforts to gather support for government formation after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections.

TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling short of the majority mark of 118. The Indian National Congress, which won five seats, has extended support to TVK, taking its tally to 113 MLAs .

Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar twice within 24 hours at Lok Bhavan, seeking an invitation to form the government. However, the Governor’s office said TVK had not yet established the “requisite majority support” needed to stake claim.

The delay triggered protests outside Lok Bhavan, where TVK cadres demanded that Vijay be invited to form the government and prove his majority on the Assembly floor. Protesters accused the Governor of denying the single largest party an opportunity to govern, while police personnel were deployed to control the situation.

TVK leaders cited the S. R. Bommai v. Union of India verdict, arguing that majority should be tested through a floor test in the Assembly rather than through prior verification at Raj Bhavan.

Constitutional experts say Vijay can still be invited to form the government despite lacking a clear majority, as Governors in past cases have allowed the single largest party to prove its strength on the Assembly floor within a specified period.

Meanwhile, TVK has approached regional parties and independents for support. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan confirmed receiving a support request and said his party would decide soon.

At the same time, leaders from both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) dismissed speculation about a possible alliance to form the government.

If no party succeeds in proving majority support, the state could face a hung Assembly , potentially leading to President’s Rule or fresh elections .