Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) CTR joint general secretary Nirmal Kumar, centre, and others visit the CPI(M) headquarters as the party seeks to form the government after the state election results in Chennai, Friday, May 8, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI
Uncertainty reigned over government formation in Tamil Nadu on Friday (May 8, 2026) night as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) remained undecided on supporting actor C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) even as the Communist Party of India and the CPI (Marxist) offered the party “unconditional support. Indian Union Muslim League leader Khader Moideen said his party had not provided any letter with the support of TVK.
Late in the evening, Mr. Vijay urged Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for the third time this week to stake a claim to form the government after winning the support of the Left parties. The number of his post-election front stood at 116, still short of the half mark in the 234-member chamber. At the time of filing this report at 10:45 PM, Lok Bhavan has not issued any communication on the Governor’s decision.
Tamil Nadu Government Composition Update 8 May 2026
“Forged Letter”
During last midnight, AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran accused TVK of submitting a photocopy of a “forged letter” to the Governor claiming to have the support of his party’s lone MLA-elect S. Kamaraj. “TVK, which claims to be a ‘clean force’, indulged in forgery in the hope that it could later engage in horse-trading and buy our lone MLA as it would not attract the anti-defection law. They submitted a photocopy of the WhatsApp letter to the governor. When he asked for the original, they left and said it would be brought accompanied by a journalist from Bharakaran,” Mr. Kamaraj Dhinakaran said outside the press briefing. He said a police report would be filed.
Earlier on Friday evening, he sent another letter to the governor extending support to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, urging him to be invited to form the government. The letter contained his signature as well as that of Mr. Kamaraj (obtained earlier).
The VCK announcement is expected on May 9
The sources were stated by VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, who met outgoing chief minister and DMK leader MK Stalin late at night, said he has not issued any letter in support of TVK so far. Earlier, in a virtual consultation conducted by Mr. Thirumavalavan, party leaders were learned to be mulling a bid for him and another cabinet post as Deputy Chief Minister if it joins the TVK-led coalition. In addition, the VCK wanted the continuity of the commissions appointed against caste killings and the provision of reservation in promotions in government posts.
Mr. Thirumavalavan is expected to make an announcement about the alliance on Saturday.
Earlier, after back-to-back meetings of the State Secretariat and State Committee, CPI(M) and CPI state leaders P. Shanmugam and M. Veerapandian stated the constitutional imperative to form a popularly elected government by May 10 to avoid the imposition of President’s rule.
“TVK officials have requested our support both in person and in writing. If the government is not in place by the 10th, the state faces Governor’s Rule, which basically means the BJP will rule through the back door,” Mr Shanmugam told reporters.
He criticized the governor for not inviting TVK to form the government, calling the insistence on the “magic number” 118 “illegal and anti-democratic”. Leftist parties have confirmed that they will support TVK in forming a government “from the outside”. Mr. Shanmugam also clarified that they remain aligned with the DMK in the broader struggle to protect state rights and against communal forces.
After meeting the Governor, Mr. Vijay went to the state headquarters of the CPI and CPI(M) to thank the leaders for their support.
Congress MLA in Hyderabad
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Congress MLAs were camping in Hyderabad. A senior Congress party functionary confirmed to The Hindu that five MLAs were camping in the city. The MLAs had reportedly arrived on Thursday and were planning to leave after reports came that the Governor had asked Mr. Vijay to form the government. However, they postponed their return after new developments in Tamil Nadu. They are likely to return once the political uncertainty is over.
Rahul cancels visit to Chennai
Security officials in Tamil Nadu were informed late on Thursday (May 8, 2026) that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had canceled his visit to Chennai on Saturday (May 9, 2026), police sources said. He was scheduled to arrive on an Air India flight on Saturday (May 9, 2026) morning to attend the much-awaited swearing-in of Mr. Vijay as Chief Minister.
Published – 08 May 2026 15:58 IST
