Vijay faces majority test before swearing-in, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam weighs legal move: Sources

Vijay faces fresh hurdle in government bid after R. V. Arlekar reportedly asked the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief to submit proof of support from at least 118 MLAs before being invited to form the next government in Tamil Nadu.

Sources said Vijay met the governor on Thursday morning and was questioned about how his party planned to run a stable government with only 113 confirmed MLAs — including TVK’s 108 seats and support from five legislators of the Indian National Congress. The governor also reportedly sought clarity on additional alliance partners and long-term political stability.

During the meeting, Vijay is understood to have told the governor that he was prepared to prove his majority through a floor test in the Assembly. However, TVK leaders have indicated they may move court if the governor continues to withhold an invitation to form the government.

The development comes a day after another meeting between Vijay and Governor Arlekar ended without approval to stake claim, with Raj Bhavan sources reportedly unconvinced about the coalition arithmetic.

TVK is now working to bridge the majority gap by securing outside support from multiple regional and Left parties. Apart from Congress, the party is expected to seek backing from the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Pattali Makkal Katchi.

If all negotiations succeed, the coalition could cross the majority mark with 123 MLAs, though the tally may later reduce by one after Vijay vacates one of the two seats he won in the election.

There has also been speculation over possible support from factions within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, though senior AIADMK leaders have publicly denied reports of any alliance talks with TVK.

With the numbers game still unfolding, TVK has reportedly moved its newly elected MLAs to a resort near Chennai amid intense political negotiations over the formation of the next government.