AIADMK Shifts 19+ MLAs To Puducherry Resort Amid Tamil Nadu Government Formation Crisis

Tamil Nadu politics witnessed dramatic developments on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, as more than 19 AIADMK MLAs were shifted to a luxury resort in neighbouring Puducherry amid uncertainty over government formation following the Assembly election results. The move comes as political parties intensify efforts to secure enough support to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

According to sources, senior AIADMK leader and Rajya Sabha MP C. V. Shanmugam reportedly arranged accommodation for the MLAs at a private resort in Puducherry. More than 20 rooms have been booked, with several legislators already reaching the resort while others are expected to join soon.

The development has sparked fresh speculation in Tamil Nadu politics amid reports that a section of AIADMK MLAs could be open to supporting Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats but remains short of the 118-seat majority required to form the government. Reports also suggest the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has initiated backchannel talks with sections of the AIADMK.

Earlier in the day, Vijay met Rajendra Arlekar and formally staked claim to form the government. However, the Governor reportedly asked him to return with proof of support from at least 118 MLAs before proceeding further. Sources said TVK currently has the backing of around 112 legislators, including support from the Indian National Congress.