Tamil Nadu Government Formation: Vijay Stakes Claim, EPS Seeks Governor Meeting Chennai | May 7, 2026: Political activity intensified in Tamil Nadu as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay met Governor Rajendra Arlekar to stake a claim to form the government after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections. Sources said Vijay currently has the support of around 112 MLAs but still needs to cross the majority mark of 118 seats in the 234-member Assembly. Congress, which won five seats in the elections, has already extended support to TVK. However, the numbers game continues as Vijay reportedly sought more time to secure additional backing from smaller parties and independent MLAs. Political uncertainty has triggered intense discussions and backchannel talks among major parties in the state. Meanwhile, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has also sought time to meet Governor Rajendra Arlekar amid the ongoing government formation impasse. Sources said AIADMK has been engaged in coalition negotiations and has reportedly given TVK time until 1 pm to take a final decision regarding alliance discussions. The DMK has also stepped up political consultations by calling a meeting of its newly elected MLAs under party president MK Stalin. Reports suggest the party is preparing for a strong opposition role in the Assembly after winning 59 seats. At the same time, smaller parties, including the VCK and Left parties, are yet to announce their final stand on supporting any alliance for government formation. Adding to the political drama, reports of “resort politics” have surfaced in Tamil Nadu, with several AIADMK MLAs reportedly shifted to resorts in Puducherry amid fears of defections and intense political negotiations. TVK has also held meetings with its legislators in Chennai as discussions continue over possible support arrangements. Despite the uncertainty, preparations for Vijay’s possible swearing-in ceremony had reportedly begun earlier in Chennai before being delayed due to the unresolved majority issue. With all major parties actively engaged in negotiations, Tamil Nadu’s government formation process remains wide open and politically charged.

Vijay’s Political Rise: What Worked in Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 The Tamil Nadu Assembly Election Results 2026 have marked a turning point in the state’s political landscape, with Vijay emerging as a dominant force. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has become the single largest party, setting him apart from other film stars who entered politics but failed to achieve similar success. One of the key factors behind Vijay’s rise was his clear and committed approach to politics. Unlike earlier actors, he signalled seriousness by stepping away from his film career and positioning himself as a full-time political leader. This helped build trust among voters who were previously skeptical of celebrity entries into politics. Another major factor was the creation of a distinct political identity. TVK avoided alliances with established parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, allowing Vijay to present himself as a fresh alternative. His campaign strongly focused on anti-corruption messaging and governance, which resonated particularly with young and urban voters. Vijay also benefited from years of groundwork through his extensive fan network. His supporters had been active across the state through social initiatives, effectively functioning as a grassroots political structure even before the party’s formal launch. This ensured a strong on-ground presence and voter outreach. In contrast, Rajinikanth delayed his political entry and eventually stepped back, failing to convert his popularity into electoral success. Kamal Haasan, despite forming a party and contesting elections, struggled to gain widespread support beyond limited urban pockets. Another advantage for Vijay was his appeal among younger voters. At a relatively younger age compared to his contemporaries, he connected well with a large segment of the electorate, especially first-time voters and youth. Vijay’s success in the 2026 elections reflects a combination of clear strategy, grassroots mobilisation, and strong voter connection. His rise signals a shift in Tamil Nadu politics, where a new generation of leadership is beginning to challenge traditional political forces.

Royapuram Shocker: Auto Driver Wins Big for TVK In one of the most surprising outcomes of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election Results 2026, an auto driver has emerged as a giant-killer in Chennai’s Royapuram constituency. Representing the

Tamil Nadu Results 2026 Live: TVK Surge Rattles DMK Camp in Early Trends A subdued atmosphere gripped the headquarters of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Chennai as early counting trends in the Tamil

Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026 Live: TVK Surge Shakes Political Landscape The counting of votes for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026 began on May 4, 2026, across all 234 constituencies, with early trends indicating a strong performance by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by

Vijay, now leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, marked his first electoral outing with a campaign that blended creativity, technology, and strong social media engagement. The strategy aimed to connect with voters across

Top film personalities, including Ajith Kumar, Vijay, Rajinikanth, and

Vijay created a heartwarming moment during a recent political rally when he interacted with a newly married couple. The actor-turned-politician, who is actively campaigning for his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), paused to

In Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin has emerged as a key face of the DMK’s ‘Stalin 3.0’ campaign ahead of the Assembly elections. Taking an active role on the campaign trail, he is engaging directly with voters while balancin

In a significant ruling for the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a civil court in Chennai has refused to freeze the party’s 'mango' symbol, which has been at the center of a family dispute within the party. The decision, which comes ahead of Tamil Nadu’s upcoming assembly elections, is seen as a win for Anbumani Ramadoss, the son of PMK founder Dr. Ramadoss, as it clears the path for his faction to use the symbol in the elections. Dr. Ramadoss had sought the court's intervention, ar

Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), the AIADMK leader, kicked off his campaign for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in Chennai, drawing inspiration from the late Jayalalithaa’s iconic campaigning style. EPS began the campaign with a symbolic gesture at the Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore, marking the start of his first Assembly polls as the leader of the AIADMK. The scene outside the temple resembled the grand events Jayalalithaa often hosted, with women in traditional attir

In a significant political development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, O Panneerselvam (OPS), former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a long-time leader of the AIADMK, has joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). This marks the end of a bitter internal feud within the AIADMK and is set to reshape the state's political dynamics. Panneerselvam’s shift to the ruling DMK is likely to weaken AIADMK's influence, particularly in the southern regions, by dividing the Thevar vote base, which has historically been a key support group for the party. Panneerselvam, who was once a loyalist of AIADMK’s late leader J Jayalalithaa, served multiple terms as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. However, following Jayalalithaa's death in 2016, a fierce power struggle broke out within the party, with Panneerselvam and Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) becoming rivals. This feud eventually led to a split in the party, and Panneerselvam, who had been sidelined in recent years, was eventually expelled. Despite attempts to remain politically relevant by forming a faction and running independent campaigns, his efforts failed to gain significant traction. Panneerselvam’s decision to join the DMK under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the DMK's presence in southern Tamil Nadu, where he has significant influence. In his address, Panneerselvam sharply criticized EPS’s leadership, accusing him of arrogance and dictatorial practices. By joining the ruling party, Panneerselvam could attract disillusioned cadres from AIADMK, further destabilizing the already fragmented support base of his former party. For the DMK, OPS’s entry offers a major opportunity to consolidate support, particularly among Thevar voters, a traditionally influential constituency. Panneerselvam’s political stature and his past loyalty to Jayalalithaa, combined with his established presence in Tamil Nadu politics, add significant weight to the DMK’s bid for re-election in 2026. His move could help the party solidify its position in the southern regions, which will be crucial for securing a second consecutive term in power. The decision has drawn sharp reactions from the BJP, with Tamilisai Soundararajan, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu leader, accusing Panneerselvam of being ungrateful for abandoning his previous allies. BJP critics argue that OPS has undermined his past association with AIADMK and the BJP, while DMK supporters view this as a critical political realignment that could shift the electoral balance in favor of the ruling party.