DMK’s allies urge T.N. Governor to invite TVK chief Vijay to form government

Several allies of the DMK on Thursday (May 7, 2026) said Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar should invite Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay to form the government, as his party has emerged as the single largest in the recent Assembly election.

In a statement, CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian said since there was no majority for any single party or alliance, and the TVK had emerged as the single-largest party by winning 108 seats, Mr. Vijay had met the Governor, staking claim. It was unfair to ask him to prove his majority immediately. Mr. Vijay should be given adequate time to prove his majority on the floor of the House.

Mr. Veerapandian also said the Supreme Court, in the S.R. Bommai vs Union of India case and in many other cases, had said enough time should be given to the leader of the single-largest party to prove the majority. The Governor should respect the Constitution and act accordingly.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan also echoed similar sentiments.

P. Shanmugam, State secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), said the Governor should invite Mr. Vijay to form the government, as no other political party had staked a claim to do so.

In a statement issued here, he said the people of Tamil Nadu had not granted a majority to any alliance in the elections, but had elected the TVK as the single-largest party with 108 seats. “Mr. Vijay alone has staked claim to form the government. But the Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] is using the Governor and taking a stand against the Constitution. That is why the Governor is delaying the opportunity for Mr. Vijay to form the government,” he alleged.

Vaiko lauds Stalin

Meanwhile, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko said DMK president M.K. Stalin’s stand that the DMK would not block the TVK from forming the government was “most excellent, laudable and timely, and demonstrates his statesmanship.”

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) president Kamal Haasan also said the verdict in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election was unprecedented, as no party had been given the mandate to form the government on its own.

“My brother Mr. Stalin has said that we respect the people’s verdict and that we will function as a responsible Opposition. I respect his political maturity. Now, those holding constitutional responsibility must also fulfil their duty. This is not a request, but a reminder of their constitutional obligation,” Mr. Haasan said.

“The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by Mr. Vijay, has won 108 seats. Not inviting him to form the government would amount to disrespecting the mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu. Even now, 233 elected members are unable to take oath. This is a disgrace to the State and a blow to democracy,” he said, adding the verdict of the people must be respected.

Actor Prakash Raj also expressed similar views.