Congress has decided to offer conditional support to TVK, which won 108 seats to become the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The condition is that TVK should not seek support from the lone BJP MLA or its allies. Governor has accepted M.K. Stalin's resignation.
Chennai, May 5, 2026: TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay held a meeting with legislators at his Pattinapakkam residence in Chennai, discussing potential cabinet ministers. Names discussed included N. Anand, Arunraj, Sengottaiyan, Adhava Arjuna, CTR Nirmalkumar, Maria Wilson, Rajmohan, VS Babu, and JCD Prabhakar. TVK has written to the Governor seeking an appointment.
After an online meeting, Congress passed a resolution to support TVK. Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal said, “TVK president Vijay has requested INC for support to form a Govt in Tamil Nadu. INC is clear that the mandate in Tamil Nadu is for a secular govt.” Support is conditional on not taking BJP's help. Sources say Congress is seeking two cabinet berths and chairman posts in boards. A support letter will be issued tomorrow.
TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member house, 18 short of majority. DMK got 59 seats and AIADMK 47. Governor Rajendra Arlekar accepted Stalin and his council's resignation on May 5 but asked them to stay until a new government is formed. Sources indicate Vijay may take oath as CM on May 7 with nine ministers.