Will Congress Support TVK's Vijay in Tamil Nadu Government Formation?

The Congress party is deliberating on whether to support TVK leader Vijay in forming a government in Tamil Nadu. Following the recent assembly elections, where Vijay's party won 108 seats, Congress is keen to uphold a secular mandate and prevent BJP influence in the state. Senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have discussed the implications of this potential alliance, emphasizing the need to reflect the electorate's sentiments. With the political landscape shifting, the final decision from the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee is awaited.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 5, 2026, 23:30 IST

Congress Considers Support for TVK in Tamil Nadu

New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Congress party announced that Vijay, the leader of the TVK, has approached them for assistance in forming a government in Tamil Nadu. The party's leadership has instructed the state unit to make a conclusive decision, taking into account the sentiments of the electorate.

Having contested the assembly elections in coalition with the DMK, Congress emphasized that the electoral outcome reflects a desire for a secular administration. They are committed to ensuring that the BJP and its affiliates do not govern Tamil Nadu in any capacity.

A meeting of senior Congress officials took place at the residence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday evening, attended by prominent figures including Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar.

After the meeting, K C Venugopal, Congress's general secretary for organization, informed the media that the leadership reviewed the political landscape following the elections in Tamil Nadu.

"TVK President Thiru Vijay has reached out to the Indian National Congress for support in establishing a government in Tamil Nadu. He has also mentioned drawing inspiration from Perumthalaivar Kamaraj in his political endeavors," Venugopal stated.

"The INC firmly believes that the mandate in Tamil Nadu is for a secular government dedicated to upholding the Constitution. We are resolute in preventing the BJP and its affiliates from influencing the governance of Tamil Nadu," he added.

Venugopal further explained that the Congress leadership has tasked the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) with making a final decision regarding Vijay's request, considering the sentiments expressed in the electoral results.

Vijay's TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, falling short of the majority threshold. He requires the backing of 10 MLAs to achieve a simple majority. The election results were announced just the day before.

Congress managed to win five seats, while the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) claimed four. The CPI and CPI-M each secured two seats.

In contrast, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) won 59 seats, and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) obtained 47 seats.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) captured only one seat, with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and the Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK) also winning one seat each, while the VCK secured two seats.

The Congress party entered the assembly elections as part of a pre-poll alliance with the DMK, whereas the BJP aligned with the AIADMK.