AMMK MLA Kamraj stated as he left C.V. Shanmugam’s residence, “I will continue my political journey with AMMK chief TTV Dinakaran.”

Nine Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Ministers are expected to be sworn in on the morning of Sunday (May 10, 2026), along with the party president and Chief Minister-designate C. Joseph Vijay.

Those who have made it to the list submitted to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar are ‘Bussy’ N. Anand (elected from T. Nagar constituency); Aadhav Arjuna (Villivakkam); K.G. Arunraaj (Tiruchengodu); K.A. Sengottaiyan (Gobichettipalayam); P. Venkataramanan (Mylapore); C.T.R. Nirmalkumar (Thirupparankundram); A. Rajmohan (Egmore); T.K. Prabhu (Karaikudi); and S. Keerthana (Sivakasi).

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Former Revenue Minister and AIADMK leader R. B. Udhaya Kumar expressed hope on Saturday (May 9, 2026) that positive developments concerning his party would take place.

Emerging from his meeting with former Law Minister C. V. Shanmugam at his residence in Chennai, Mr. Kumar told journalists, “Be patient.”

There were reports that the former Law Minister had conflicts with party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami regarding the approach to the incoming TVK government and potential alliances with the DMK.

Read the full story below

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and former Minster K.R. Periyakaruppan, who lost by one vote during the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections 2026, has filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court to prevent his opponent Seenivasa Sethupathy of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from participating in the trust vote to be held in the State Assembly on or before May 13, 2026.

A summer vacation Bench of Justices L. Victoria Gowri and N. Senthilkumar is scheduled to take up the writ petition for an urgent hearing during a special sitting on Sunday (May 10, 2026) since the petitioner had contended that the votes cast in his Tirupattur constituency in Sivaganga district were not recounted properly and hence the elected candidate must not be allowed to participate in any legislative process.

Security tightened at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister.

TVK chief Vijay reaches his Neelankarai residence, security tightened ahead of his swearing-in ceremony.

Supporters and fans of TVK chief Vijay express their excitement ahead of his oath ceremony as CM of the state tomorrow.

Congress MLA P. Viswanathan, elected from Melur, will be a Minister in Vijay’s cabinet.

Reacting to the swearing-in of TVK chief Vijay, his father, S.A. Chandrasekhar, says, “Finally, Tamil people have succeeded.” 

Coalition government in Tamil Nadu after 1952. Congress is joining the government of Mr Vijay. In 1952, Manickavelu Naicker joined the Congress government of Rajaji. But he later became an associate member of the Congress, and the government lost its character as a coalition arrangement.

-B. Kolappan

Following an end to days of uncertainty in State politics, the vote of confidence in the Tamil Nadu Assembly will be held on or before May 13, 2026.

CM-designate and TVK chief Vijay will take oath of office with nine other Ministers on Sunday (May 10, 2026).

N. Sai Charan

It will be a coalition government in the State, All India Congress Committee in-charge for Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar told The Hindu. 

Asked whether the Congress demanded a share in power, he said it has been agreed upon after the party conveyed it to the TVK leadership. 

B. Kolappan

After he staked claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay has been appointed as the Chief Minister designate by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar under Article 164 of the Constitution of India.

N. Sai Charan

Credit: Special Arrangement

Outgoing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief M. K. Stalin on Saturday (May 9, 2026) said the new government should ensure the continuation of the farsighted and well-planned schemes implemented by the DMK regime.

In a social media post, Mr. Stalin said people would continue to benefit if the welfare schemes introduced by the DMK government for women, youth, students, children, government employees, and marginalised sections of society were carried forward.

Read more here

Swearing-in ceremony of TVK chief Vijay as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday (May 10, 2026) at 10 a.m. at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. 

Mr. Vijay and nine other Ministers are set to be sworn in tomorrow.

The nail-biting political uncertainty that prevailed in Tamil Nadu over the last few days finally came to an end on Saturday evening when Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president and leader of the single largest party, C. Joseph Vijay called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan in Chennai, staking claim to form the government with the support of 120 MLAs-elect in the 234-member House.

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Earlier this evening, amid the speculations around a split in the AIADMK camp, party leader R.B. Udhayakumar was at C.V. Shanmugam’s residence along with several AIADMK MLAs in Chennai.

TVK workers and supporters burst firecrackers outside the TVK headquarters in Chennai to celebrate as the party is set to form the government in Tamil Nadu.

Amid the growing speculation, sources in Lok Bhavan said Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam President C. Joseph Vijay has been given an appointment to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. 

The Governor has cancelled his Kerala visit. 

Mr. Vijay has started from his residence at Foreshore Estate to call on the Governor and to stake a claim to form the government.

After extending support to the TVK, VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan says, “We have extended our support to ensure that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) does not become an obstacle to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam—which has secured 108 seats—forming the government, and to prevent the imposition of President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu”. 

“Our alliance within the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance will continue. As a political party, we have taken this decision by exercising our independent right. This will not affect our relationship with the DMK,” he adds. 

Sources in Lok Bhavan said Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam President C. Joseph Vijay has not been given an appointment to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. 

The sources also said that the Governor is scheduled to leave for Thiruvananthapuram by flight around 7.10 p.m.

Mr. Vijay, who started from his house at Foreshore Estate to stake a claim to form the government, after his party got the support of the VCK and IUML, returned to the house.

-N. Sai Charan

After VCK announced its backing for TVK, IUML has also announced unconditional support for Vijay. 

In a post on X, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K.Stalin said that he welcomes the announcement by his alliance “to avoid the current crisis, even if we express support for the Tamil Nadu Victory Federation to form the government, we continue in the DMK-led secular progressive alliance on the basis of policy.”

“The Congress MLAs who contested and won on behalf of the alliance did not come to Anna Arivalayam to express their thanks. On the same day, the Congress party severed ties with the DMK and proceeded,” he adds. 

VCK’s Thol Thirumavalavan has confirmed his support to C. Joseph Vijay’s TVK and has issued the letter of support, says Aadhav Arjuna. 

With this, TVK chief Vijay is set to meet the Governor. 

With this support TVK’s Vijay will be leading a coalition government in Tamil Nadu. 

Letter of support from VCK

Even as the hectic political activity is on in Tamil Nadu with TVK leader C. Joseph Vijay trying to get support to form the government, the Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will be leaving for Thiruvananthapuram in a flight departing Chennai at 7.10 p.m. on May 9, 2026. -- The Hindu Bureau

A writ petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Saturday (May 9, 2026) to declare a May 7 Press release of Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar, denying a claim made by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party president C. Joseph Vijay to form the government, as unconstitutional and arbitrary.

The petition filed by retired IPS officer M. Ramasubramani, through advocate G. Siva Bala Murugan, submitted that the Governor’s refusal to invite Mr. Vijay, as the head of the single largest party which emerged after the 2026 Assembly elections, was a hostile move against parliamentary democracy.

It said the Governor’s insistence that Mr. Vijay should demonstrate the “requisite majority support” essential for formation of government was contrary to the settled constitutional conventions governing formation of government in a hung Assembly.

The petition said the press release effectively foreclosed the constitutional process without permitting the single largest political party to establish its majority on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.

“It is well-settled that in a parliamentary democracy governed by the Constitution, the question whether a political party or coalition commands majority support can only be determined on the floor of the House and not by way of subjective satisfaction, private consultations or roving enquiry undertaken at Lok Bhavan,” Mr. Ramasubramani submitted.

The Governor cannot terminate the constitutional process without a floor test when a viable claim to majority exists.

The earlier petition by Ezhilarasi P., who said she was a TVK party member, argued that the Governor was “duty bound” to invite Mr. Vijay, as the leader of the single largest party, to form the government in the State and later prove the majority on the floor of the House. -- Krishnadas Rajagopal

Ending the drama surrounding the formation of a government in Tamil Nadu, the VCK has decided to support C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhgam (TVK). This was announced by a top VCK leader to The Hindu.

The party president, Thol. Thirumavalavan, will make the announcement shortly, ending all speculation about the party’s stance, the leader added. -- The Hindu Bureau

Amidst the intense speculation surrounding the formation of a new government in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who had remained silent until now, has extended his congratulations to the party set to take office. In an official statement, he noted: “In the recently concluded 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, candidates from various parties contested and emerged victorious. I extend my heartiest congratulations to the party that will be forming the government in Tamil Nadu.” 

His message of greetings can be interpreted as a move to dismiss the talks regarding his party potentially forming a government with the support of the DMK. Although his colleagues had recently expressed hope for his return to power, Mr. Palaniswami had maintained a strategic silence over the past few days. -- K. Muralitharan

At least 126 candidates who secured a victory in the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections have criminal cases pending against them, according to a report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Tamil Nadu Election Watch (TNEW) on Saturday (May 9, 2026), which analysed the criminal, financial, and educational backgrounds, the gender, and other details of the winning nominees. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) topped the list, with 41 MLAs-elect from the party declaring that they have criminal cases pending against them. -- The Hindu Bureau

An ex-IPS officer moved the Supreme Court on Saturday (May 9, 2026), challenging Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s refusal to invite TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay to form the Government despite his party winning the highest number of seats.

The plea was filed by IPS M. Ramasubramani (retd), who served as an Additional Director General of Police and the Inspector General of Police. His plea argued that the Governor’s decision amounts to an unconstitutional determination of a majority outside the Assembly.

It contended that the Governor could not deny TVK an opportunity to prove its majority through a floor test.

Mr. Vijay, the TVK founder, has met Governor Arlekar twice, requesting to be invited to form the government. However, no invitation has been extended to him so far to form the government.

On Friday (May 8, 2026), a member of TVK moved the top court seeking directions to the Tamil Nadu Governor to invite TVK to form the Government in the State.

The plea by K. Ezhilarasi contended that the Governor’s failure to invite Vijay violated Articles 12 and 32 of the Constitution. -- PTI

Dr. D. Ravikumar, VCK’s General Secretary, dismissed reports of the party making demands for Assembly positions.

“The reports currently being circulated, claiming that the VCK is seeking various positions and making demands, are entirely contrary to the truth. We request the media not to lend credence to such reports. We further urge the media not to become complicit in attempts to malign the VCK,” he posted on X.

- K. Muralidharan

AIADMK General Secretary and former Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Edappadi K. Palaniswami extended greetings to the party that will form the government in Tamil Nadu.

“In the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections that have concluded successfully, candidates from various parties have contested and emerged victorious. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the party that will form the government in Tamil Nadu,” he posted on X.

With all eyes on VCK’s decision, VCK leader S.S. Balaji said “We will announce at 4:00 p.m. what time the press conference will take place; VCK’s decision will be disclosed during that press conference.” 

-- The Hindu Bureau

CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby during a press meet in Madurai, rejected the claims that DMK and AIADMK were planning for an alliance as ‘rumours.’ However, he said, even if it was to happen, they would have needed the support of Communist party MLAs. 

Since they respected the people’s mandat, they decided to support Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam which stands as the single largest party. Also, he said, they did not want to give the BJP-led Union government a chance to impose the Governor’s rule in the State. -- C. Palanivel Rajan

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief, C. Joseph Vijay, is set to meet Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan amid intense political negotiations over government formation in Tamil Nadu. 

Heavy police security has been deployed at the VCK headquarters in Ashok Nagar following reports that Vijay may personally visit the party office to seek support from Thirumavalavan.

The meeting comes at a crucial juncture, with TVK falling short of the majority mark of 118 needed to form the government. -- IANS

With uncertainty continuing over government formation in Tamil Nadu, five Congress MLAs from the state were camping in Hyderabad on Saturday (May 9, 2026) in an apparent move by the party to prevent any poaching attempts.

Congress MLA P Viswanathan from Melur, who was formerly the AICC in-charge of party affairs in Telangana, was leading the group of five MLAs during their stay in Hyderabad, party sources said.

The Congress has already declared its support for TVK, and Viswanathan is likely to become a minister if a TVK government is formed, the sources added.

Actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which won 108 seats—10 short of a majority—had earlier reached out to the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and VCK parties that had been allied with the DMK, seeking their support to form the government after emerging as the single largest party in its maiden Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, held on April 23.

The VCK, a long-time ally of the Left parties, is expected to formally announce its support for the Vijay-led TVK, following the stand taken by the communist parties. -- PTI

PMK founder Ramadoss on Saturday (May 9, 2026) said given the extraordinary political climate in Tamil Nadu, the governor should immediately invite the Vijay-led TVK, which stands as the single largest party in the State, to form the Government.

“It is the duty of everyone to bow to the people’s verdict. This process must not be delayed. An invitation should be extended immediately,” he said in a statement in Chennai.

Noting that parties such as the Congress and Left parties have already signalled their support to the TVK in the interest of the State’s welfare, he said VCK chief Thirumavalavan should follow suit.

“If he offers his support, the governor should formally invite Vijay and administer the oath of office to him as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.” “Bearing the current circumstances in mind, I earnestly request my younger brother, Thirumavalavan, to immediately extend his support to TVK and by doing so, he would honour the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu and facilitate the establishment of a new government,” he added. -- PTI

The AMMK has lodged a complaint with the Guindy police against the TVK, alleging the use of a “forged” support letter to stake claim for government formation, police said on Saturday (May 9, 2026).

According to Guindy police, a petition has been received from AMMK General Secretary T.T.V Dhinakaran.

However, officials said that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in the matter as of Saturday (May 9, 2026) morning.

The development followed a high-drama midnight visit by Mr/. Dhinakaran to the office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Guindy Range.

Speaking to reporters, the AMMK chief accused the Vijay-led TVK of submitting a forged photocopy of a letter to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, falsely claiming the support of AMMK’s lone MLA-elect from Mannargudi, S. Kamaraj.

“The TVK, which claims to be a ‘pure force,’ has indulged in forgery and horse-trading,” Dhinakaran stated.

He alleged that the party attempted to bypass the anti-defection law by fabricating support. He also revealed that Mr. Kamaraj was “shocked” to see the forged document used in his name. -- PTI

After three days’ stay at a Puducherry resort, AIADMK MLAs came to meet their party’s general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami at his residence in Chennai on Saturday (May 9, 2026).

More than 30 party legislators were asked to stay at the resort in the neighbouring Union Territory to allegedly prevent them from “cross-voting or defections,” as Vijay-led TVK is busy shoring up numbers to form government after emerging as the single largest party in the April 23 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu.

AIADMK sources said that Mr. Palaniswami will chair a legislators’ meeting to discuss the party’s next move amid political uncertainty in forming the new government.

Senior AIADMK leaders including C. Vijayabaskar, K.P. Anbalagan and B. Valarmathi among others arrived at Mr. Palaniswami’s residence.

AIADMK sources further added that the meeting will also discuss about ally AMMK’s charges against TVK about using a “forged” support letter to stake claim for government formation. -- PTI

The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Friday (May 8, 2026) sent a letter to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar offering unconditional support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) under the leadership of its legislative party leader C. Joseph Vijay for the purpose of forming the government in Tamil Nadu.

The recent ​Assembly election​ results have shown that representation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) beyond reserved constituencies continues to remain limited in the State Assembly.

Among the four principal contenders in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections — the​ Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)​, the ​DMK​-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the ​AIADMK​-led National Democratic Alliance, and the​ Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK)​ — only one Scheduled Caste (SC) candidate has been elected from a general constituency.

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VCK leader Vanni Arasu on Saturday (May 9, 2026) said his party will emerge as a significant political entity holding the central position.

His cryptic remark comes as TVK chief Vijay is likely to meet Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol Thirumalavalan to seek the Dalit party’s support in forming the new government.

In a post on ‘X’, VCK deputy general secretary Vanni Arasu said “even if one tries to marginalise or alienate us, we will emerge as a central force”, indicating that VCK will be a deciding factor. -- PTI

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has denied reports that one of its MLAs had extended support to C. Joseph Vijay’s TVK to form the government.

IUML national president Kader Mohideen said the party remains firmly within the DMK alliance and had not issued any letter of support to TVK.

“We have been part of the DMK alliance for several decades and there is no question of leaving it. If Mr. Vijay needs support, he should approach DMK president M. K. Stalin, since he too has urged the Governor to take steps to expedite formation of a new government,” Mr. Kader Mohideen told The Hindu. -- B. Kolappan

The AMMK has lodged a complaint with the Guindy police against the TVK, alleging the use of a “forged” support letter to stake claim for government formation, police said on Saturday (May 9, 2026). According to Guindy police, a petition has been received from AMMK General Secretary T T V Dhinakaran.

However, officials confirmed that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in the matter as of Saturday (May 9, 2026) morning.

The development followed a high-drama midnight visit by Dhinakaran to the office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Guindy Range.

- PTI

AIADMK MLAs from Tamil Nadu, who were staying at a private resort in Puducherry, are now heading back to Chennai.

Visuals below:

Visuals from VCK office, as party chief Thol Thirumavalavan is set to announce support to Vijay-led TVK alliance

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi is proving to be the kingmaker following Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Assembly elections, as its expected support to TVK will push Vijay towards the magic number needed to form government. 

The VCK has managed to become an ideological bulwark of secularism and social justice in Tamil Nadu against Hindutva political forces and has played a key role in shaping the political stance of the Opposition alliance despite being a smaller player in the alliance in recent times. 

Click here to know more about VCK, from ​The Hindu’s 2024 assessment of the party​

AMMK general secretary, T.T.V. Dhinakaran, who made a sensational allegation last night about horse trading, is holding a press conference at his party office in Adyar at 11 a.m. today.

Read more about what unfolded overnight, as AMMK and TVK traded charges:

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is expected to announce its support for C. Joseph Vijay and the formation of a government led by the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).

According to sources, a letter of support in the format requested by the TVK will be submitted to facilitate the Governor to invite Mr. Vijay to form the government.

Sources said VCK Legislative Party leader Vanniarasu is on his way to Chennai to sign the letter of support. Another MLA, L. E. Jothimani, is also expected to sign the letter.

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BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran on Friday (May 8, 2026) said his party will not support any of the formations attempting to form the government in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 Assembly election, in which no party or alliance secured a simple majority in the 234-member House.

Mr. Nagenthran also clarified the lone BJP MLA-elect would not vote for any of the formations attempting to form the government. 

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Security Branch officials in Tamil Nadu were informed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Chennai on Saturday (May 9, 2026).

He was scheduled to arrive by Air India flight on Saturday (May 9, 2026) morning to attend the much-anticipated swearing in of TVK leader Vijay as Chief Minister, say police sources.

- S. Vijay Kumar

A day of hectic political developments played out on Friday (May 8, 2026), as Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony still appeared far from the horizon. 

Here’s how the events played out through the day: 

• Actor C. Joseph Vijay inched closer towards forming the next government in Tamil Nadu with the CPI and CPI-M, which have two Assembly seats each, deciding to extend support to his party.

• Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) remained undecided on backing TVK, as sources said VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, who met outgoing Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin late in the night, had indicated he had not issued any letter of support to the TVK yet.

• TVK president Vijay called on Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for the third consecutive day. Reportedly, Governor Rajendra Arlekar did not commit himself when actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay and others told him that Saturday (May 9, 2026) was an auspicious day, as he remained firm on numbers, while the Raj Bhavan not issuing any communication on swearing-in ceremony.

• Meanwhile, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran accused TVK of submitting to the Governor, a photocopy of a “forged letter”, claiming it has the support of his party’s lone MLA-elect from Mannargudi constituency S. Kamaraj.

TVK+ as on May 8, 2026 - 117 seats (including two seats won by Vijay)

• TVK - 108 seats (*effective strength is 107)
• Congress - 5 seats
• CPI - 2 seats
• CPI (M) - 2 seats

A writ petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Friday (May 8, 2026), submitting that the Tamil Nadu Governor is duty-bound to invite Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party president C. Joseph Vijay, as the leader of the single largest party, was to form the government in the State and later prove the majority on the floor of the House.

The petition filed by Ezhilarasi P., who said she is a TVK party member based in Chennai, cited media reports that Governor Rajendra Arlekar may invite post-poll coalition parties in Tamil Nadu to form the government.

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Five Tamil Nadu Congress MLAs are camping in Hyderabad even as the suspense over Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony continued.

A senior functionary of the Congress party confirmed to The Hindu about the MLAs camping in Hyderabad.

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