Vijay's TVK warns all MLAs will resign if DMK and AIADMK join hands for Tamil Nadu govt formation

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay, has warned that all 107 of its lawmakers will resign if the DMK and AIADMK join forces to form the government in Tamil Nadu. Internal dissatisfaction within TVK is growing as talks to finalize government formation remain stalled, with sources indicating the threat reflects frustration over perceived efforts by the DMK and AIADMK to exclude TVK from power. TVK emerged as the largest party in the April 23 Assembly elections with 108 seats, though Vijay is required to vacate one seat under constitutional provisions, reducing its effective strength to 107. Despite this, TVK claims its mandate cannot be ignored, particularly as the DMK (59 seats) and AIADMK (47 seats) are reportedly engaging in backchannel discussions to form a government without TVK’s involvement. A senior TVK functionary stated that the moves by both parties appear coordinated to isolate Vijay politically, even though neither has enough seats to govern alone. Reports suggest DMK leader MK Stalin informed his MLAs that the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K Palaniswami, has reached out for government formation talks. TVK has attempted to secure support from allies of the DMK, including the VCK, Left parties, and IUML, but no concrete backing has materialized. The Congress, with its five legislators, could push TVK’s alliance to 112 seats, though this still falls short of the 118 required for a majority in the 234-member Assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also reportedly being considered as a potential ally in the DMK-AIADMK discussions. The uncertainty over government formation persists, with TVK’s warning signaling a potential escalation if its demands are not met. The fractured election results have left the political landscape in Tamil Nadu volatile, with TVK insisting on its right to lead despite opposition from rival parties.