Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi’s two legislators are set to become decisive in Tamil Nadu’s government formation, with the party expected to announce support on Saturday for C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam after days of intense negotiations following a fractured Assembly verdict.The move, if formalised, would give Vijay the numbers required to lead the next government, marking a dramatic entry into office for the actor-turned-politician whose party contested its first Assembly election this year. TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member House, but Vijay’s victory from two constituencies effectively reduced its operational strength by one once he is required to vacate a seat.
With Congress extending support through its five MLAs and the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India adding two legislators each, TVK’s support base moved close to the majority line. VCK’s two seats now provide the final push needed to cross the threshold, turning a post-poll deadlock into a likely pathway for government formation.
The development places VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan at the centre of Tamil Nadu’s power transition. The party, rooted in Dalit mobilisation and social justice politics, had initially appeared cautious about aligning with Vijay, particularly after friction over TVK’s outreach methods. VCK leaders had objected to what they viewed as impersonal communication from TVK during a high-stakes negotiation, signalling that political protocol and respect would matter as much as arithmetic.
That unease now appears to have been addressed through further back-channel engagement. Senior VCK figures held discussions within the party and with other political actors before moving towards a decision. The party’s expected support is likely to be framed as outside backing rather than immediate participation in government, allowing it to retain ideological space while preventing a prolonged constitutional impasse.
Vijay has already met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar more than once to stake claim and present letters of support from allied and supporting legislators. The Governor’s next step will depend on whether TVK submits sufficient written backing from MLAs to establish a stable majority. A swearing-in schedule is expected only after Raj Bhavan is satisfied that the numbers are clear.
The mandate has unsettled Tamil Nadu’s established political order. For decades, power in the state alternated largely between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. TVK’s rise has broken that pattern, drawing support from younger voters, urban constituencies and sections frustrated with the familiar Dravidian contest. Vijay’s campaign blended welfare promises, anti-corruption messaging and a personality-driven appeal that converted cinema popularity into a direct electoral challenge.
The DMK, led by M. K. Stalin, finished well behind TVK, while the AIADMK also failed to reclaim its former dominance. The possibility of the two long-time rivals exploring tactical options to keep TVK out of power was discussed during the post-result uncertainty, but the arithmetic increasingly favoured Vijay once Congress and Left parties moved towards support.
VCK’s decision carries political risks. Its past association with the DMK-led camp and its ideological emphasis on social justice mean any backing for TVK will be judged against Vijay’s policy commitments on caste equity, minority protection, welfare, education and federal rights. The party is expected to seek assurances on these issues before lending formal support.
For Vijay, the challenge moves from winning a mandate to managing a delicate coalition. TVK lacks a comfortable majority on its own and will depend on smaller parties whose priorities differ from its own campaign platform. Congress, Left parties and VCK are likely to press for commitments on welfare spending, social representation, language policy and the state’s fiscal rights.