theTripurapost News Images

Vijay Short of Majority, Swearing-In May Be Delayed

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
  • May 06, 2026
  • 485

A fluid political situation is unfolding in Tamil Nadu as Vijay moves to form the government following a fractured mandate. The swearing-in ceremony, initially scheduled for May 7, may now be postponed amid ongoing efforts to secure majority support.

Vijay met Governor Rajendra Arlekar at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday to stake claim. According to sources, he submitted letters of support from 113 MLAs, including 107 from his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and five from the Indian National Congress. However, the Governor is said to have asked for proof of support from at least 118 MLAs—the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly—granting Vijay time to furnish additional backing.

TVK has officially secured 108 seats, but Vijay himself won from two constituencies, meaning he will have to vacate one, effectively reducing the party’s strength to 107. With the effective House strength at 233, the majority mark remains 118, leaving TVK short by at least 11 MLAs. At present, confirmed external support stands at five Congress legislators.

Efforts are underway to bridge the gap. Vijay is reportedly in talks with smaller parties, including Left formations and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and may also approach the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam if required. However, uncertainty persists due to reports of internal divisions within AIADMK’s 20 MLAs, making its support unpredictable.

In a move to prevent poaching and maintain cohesion, TVK has shifted its newly elected MLAs to a private resort in Chengalpattu near Mahabalipuram.

Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party is set to form the government, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 9 at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya confirmed that the party’s legislative meeting will be held on May 7.

However, the political transition in Bengal has been marred by violence. Since the declaration of results on May 4, at least four people—two BJP and two All India Trinamool Congress workers—have been killed. In Kolkata’s New Market area, a mob reportedly bulldozed a TMC party office and vandalised nearby shops.

Further unrest was reported from Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, where police and central forces came under attack during patrol operations. Five security personnel were injured after rioters opened fire.

The Assembly election results declared on May 4 brought mixed outcomes across states. The NDA retained power in Assam and Puducherry, while regime changes occurred in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, TVK’s performance marks a historic shift, as the state is set to see a government formed outside the traditional dominance of DMK and AIADMK for the first time in nearly six decades.