Vijay’s swearing-in delayed as Tamil Nadu Governor unconvinced over majority claim: Report

Tamil Nadu’s government formation process remained uncertain on May 8 after reports emerged that actor-turned-politician Vijay has not yet been able to prove majority support in the 234-member Assembly, delaying the expected oath-taking ceremony as chief minister.

According to sources quoted by NDTV, the Governor’s office has not invited Vijay to take oath on Saturday because TVK has still not demonstrated support from the required 118 MLAs.

Vijay, whose party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single-largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election with 108 seats, has been engaged in intense negotiations with smaller parties and independents over the past few days in an attempt to cross the majority mark.

Congress has already extended support to TVK, but the alliance still remains short of the numbers needed to formally stake claim to form the government.

Reports said Vijay held multiple rounds of discussions with parties including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Left parties and other smaller groups as political activity intensified in Chennai.

Sources told NDTV that support letters from some parties had still not been submitted to the Governor, creating uncertainty over the government formation process.

The delay has triggered disappointment among TVK cadres, many of whom had gathered in Chennai expecting Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony to take place this weekend.

According to reports, supporters assembled near Vijay’s residence and other locations amid growing speculation over whether the Governor would invite him to form the government.

Political tensions have also increased amid allegations and counter-allegations surrounding support negotiations. AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran accused TVK of attempting “horse trading” during the ongoing efforts to secure legislative backing, allegations that have added another layer of controversy to the already tense political atmosphere.

Meanwhile, conflicting reports continued to emerge throughout the day regarding Vijay’s prospects. While some reports suggested TVK was still struggling to secure enough support, others claimed Vijay could eventually take oath after proving his numbers before the Governor.

Under constitutional convention, Governors generally invite either a party with a clear majority or the single-largest party capable of demonstrating majority support in the Assembly.

However, sources indicated that Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is seeking written proof of support before taking a final decision on inviting Vijay to form the government.

The ongoing uncertainty has also fueled speculation about possible alternative political arrangements in the state, including discussions involving rival Dravidian parties DMK and AIADMK.

At the same time, reports suggested that several MLAs have been moved to resorts amid fears of defections and poaching attempts, reflecting the high political stakes surrounding Tamil Nadu’s fractured mandate.

For now, Tamil Nadu remains without a confirmed government formation timeline as negotiations continue behind closed doors and all eyes remain on the Governor’s next move.