Chennai: Tamil Nadu has entered a period of political uncertainty after Governor R N Ravi reportedly declined to immediately approve the oath taking ceremony of actor turned politician Vijay, saying his party does not yet have an absolute majority in the Assembly.
The dramatic developments came just days after Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, widely known as TVK, delivered a shocking performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The party emerged as the single largest party in the state, breaking the long standing political dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. However, TVK fell short of the majority mark needed to independently form a government.
According to reports, TVK secured 108 seats in the 234 member Assembly. A minimum of 118 seats is required to form a stable government. Though Congress later extended support to Vijay, questions remain over whether the Governor is fully satisfied with the letters of support and the stability of the alliance.
Sources close to Raj Bhavan said the Governor asked Vijay to clearly demonstrate majority support before permission could be granted for the swearing in ceremony. Legal consultations were also reportedly held regarding constitutional procedures in a hung Assembly situation.
The uncertainty has delayed what many supporters believed would be a historic moment for Tamil Nadu politics. Thousands of Vijay fans and party workers had gathered across the state expecting their leader to officially take oath as Chief Minister this week. Instead, the situation has turned into an intense political negotiation involving alliance partners and independent legislators.
Political observers say the Governor’s cautious approach follows constitutional practice. In cases where no single party secures a majority, the Governor has the responsibility to ensure that the proposed government has enough support to survive a confidence vote in the Assembly.
The Congress party has publicly indicated support for Vijay’s leadership. However, discussions are said to be continuing over ministerial positions, policy priorities and alliance coordination. Reports also suggest that TVK leaders are trying to secure the backing of smaller regional parties and independent MLAs to strengthen their numbers further.
The election result itself has already changed the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. For decades, the state’s politics was mainly controlled by the DMK and AIADMK. Vijay’s sudden rise has surprised political experts, especially because TVK is still a relatively young party.
Many young voters and first time voters appear to have strongly supported Vijay’s campaign promises related to employment, transparency and welfare reforms. His public meetings during the campaign attracted huge crowds, and his image as a popular film star helped him connect with people across the state.
Following the election results, Vijay thanked the people of Tamil Nadu and described the mandate as a victory for change and hope. He promised that his party would work for honest governance and social welfare.
Meanwhile, rival parties have started questioning whether TVK can provide stable administration in such a complex political situation. Leaders from both DMK and AIADMK have argued that the state needs political stability and experienced governance at a time of economic and social challenges.
Social media platforms continue to be filled with reactions from supporters and critics alike. While Vijay’s supporters remain confident that he will eventually form the government, others believe the coming days could witness intense political bargaining and shifting alliances.
As discussions continue in Chennai, all eyes remain on Raj Bhavan and the final decision regarding government formation. The next few days are expected to play a crucial role in deciding whether Vijay can successfully prove his majority and officially become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.