Vijay likely to take oath May 7 after TVK’s shock Tamil Nadu sweep

A day after delivering a stunning electoral debut, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay met newly elected MLAs at his Chennai residence on Tuesday to finalise the contours of government formation.

The party’s breakthrough performance—winning 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly—upended Tamil Nadu’s long-standing political order, defeating the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and pushing the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to third place. The result marks a rare disruption of the state’s decades-old Dravidian dominance.

Sources indicated that Vijay is likely to be sworn in as Chief Minister on May 7, along with a small Cabinet of around nine ministers. However, the party remains short of a simple majority, triggering efforts to secure outside support.

TVK has reached out to Governor Rajendra Arlekar seeking an appointment to initiate the government formation process.

Attention has now shifted to potential coalition partners. According to sources, the party is exploring support from the Indian National Congress, Left parties, and smaller regional players such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India and the Indian Union Muslim League. Invitations to initiate talks are expected soon.

These parties are currently aligned with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. In the April 23 election, Congress secured five seats, while IUML, CPI, CPI(M) and VCK won two seats each—numbers that could prove decisive if they shift support.

While the DMK has expressed confidence that its allies will remain intact, it has refrained from clearly outlining the Congress’s likely stance. Congress leaders have said any decision will be taken collectively, keeping the state’s interests in mind.

Meanwhile, discussions within TVK have also focused on Cabinet formation, with several newly elected MLAs emerging as potential ministerial candidates. The list includes a mix of political veterans, former bureaucrats and first-time legislators who played key roles in the party’s rapid rise.