Tamil Nadu Governor Sets Conditions for Chief Minister Oath Amid Political Stalemate

A political stalemate has arisen in Tamil Nadu as Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar insists that Vijay, leader of the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam, must prove his majority before taking the oath as Chief Minister. Despite winning 108 seats in the recent assembly elections, Vijay requires additional support to reach the majority threshold of 117 in the 233-member assembly. The situation has prompted calls from CPI leaders for the Governor to allow TVK to form the government. As political negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 13:35 IST

Political Standoff in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, a political impasse has emerged regarding the formation of a new government. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has made it clear to Vijay, the leader of the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), that he will only be allowed to take the oath of office as Chief Minister once he demonstrates a majority. According to sources, the Governor expressed his desire for a stable government in the state and indicated that he would wait until the majority is proven.

On Thursday, Vijay met with the Governor in an effort to establish a government in Tamil Nadu. During this meeting, he asserted that as the leader of the largest party in the assembly, he should be permitted to take the oath of office.

Vijay's Confidence in Majority

Vijay expressed confidence that his party would be able to prove its majority in the assembly. M. Veerapandian, the state secretary of the CPI in Tamil Nadu, urged the Governor to invite Vijay's TVK to form the government and allow the party to establish its majority in the assembly. In a statement, the CPI leader noted that the assembly elections held on April 23 resulted in a fractured mandate, with TVK emerging as the largest party by winning 108 seats.

Veerapandian argued that it would be inappropriate for the Governor to demand proof of majority support before administering the oath of office. According to him, constitutional tradition dictates that the largest party should be given the first opportunity to form the government. He further stated that the Governor should act in accordance with democratic principles and invite TVK.

Support from Other Parties

With the support of five Congress party legislators, TVK's seat count has increased to 112. However, Vijay still requires the backing of five additional legislators, as the majority threshold in the 233-member assembly is set at 117.

On Wednesday, four elected legislators from the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) also visited Vijay at his residence in Chennai. Additionally, the TVK leader has reached out to VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan and the CPI(M) for support in forming the government. CPI(M) leader P. Shanmugam mentioned that a decision regarding support for TVK would be made during the party's meeting on Friday.