The Hindu reports: With the two Left parties extending unconditional support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founded by actor C. Joseph Vijay on Friday (May 8, 2026), the TVK which went alone in the recently-concluded Assembly election, now has the support of nine more MLAs from the Congress (5), CPI (2) and CPI(M) (2). With a fractured mandate during the Assembly polls in which no party or front secured a majority, TVK won 108 seats (including the second seat won by Vijay).
The party now requires the support of two more MLAs to prove a majority support of 118 MLAs. Speaking during a joint press conference at Chennai, M. Shanmugam, the State-unit leaders of the CPI and CPI(M) respectively announced: “We will not join the TVK Cabinet; our support will be from the outside.
Background
We will continue to travel with the DMK in the struggle to oppose communal forces and protect Tamil Nadu’s rights.” The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)’s decision is expected soon. Opinion | Seeking a new paradigm for Dravidian exceptionalism Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Congress cadres staged a statewide protest against Governor Rajendra Arlekar after he rejected TVK chief Vijay’s claim to form the government in the State, asking the party to return only after securing the support of 118 MLAs. on May 8, 2028 - 117 seats (including two seats won by Vijay) Vijay’s TVK edges closer to majority in Tamil Nadu's hung assembly amid coalition talks; follow our timeline of events.
Key facts
- With the two Left parties extending unconditional support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founded by actor C.
- With a fractured mandate during the Assembly polls in which no party or front secured a majority, TVK won 108 seats (including the second seat won by Vijay).
- The party now requires the support of two more MLAs to prove a majority support of 118 MLAs.
- Speaking during a joint press conference at Chennai, M.
- Shanmugam, the State-unit leaders of the CPI and CPI(M) respectively announced: “We will not join the TVK Cabinet; our support will be from the outside.
What this means
Former CPI(M) State secretary K. Balakrishnan quoted TVK chief Vijay as saying: ‘I am grateful for your support during these challenging times. My door is always open to you.
Under no circumstances will I allow communal forces.” — K. Muralitharan WhatsApp Image 2026-05-08 at 7.33.34 PM.jpeg On Friday (May 8, 2026) evening, TVK president and actor C. Joseph Vijay called on Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for the third consecutive day while his party awaits the Governor’s invitation to form the government in Tamil Nadu.
Originally reported by The Hindu. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
