Vijay's oath likely on May 7 after TVK's blockbuster Tamil Nadu debut

According to sources, the actor-politician is exploring talks with the Congress, Left parties, and other smaller regional outfits, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI(M), CPI, and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), to secure numbers for a coalition arrangement. Invitations to these parties are expected to be sent soon.

In Short

• TVK remains 10 seats short of a simple majority
• Cabinet formation is being discussed at Vijay's residence in Chennai
• TVK could tie-up with Congress, Left to form govt, says sources

A day after his blockbuster political debut delivered 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, TVK chief Vijay met his MLAs at his Pattinampakkam residence in Chennai to finalise Cabinet formation.

In a historic upset, the TVK on Monday defeated the DMK and pushed the AIADMK to third place, marking the first time in nearly six decades that Tamil Nadu’s entrenched Dravidian duopoly has been decisively broken.

Sources told India Today that Vijay is likely to take oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on May 7, with nine Cabinet ministers likely to be sworn in along with him. The meeting is likely to have focused on potential alliances, as the party fell 10 seats short of a simple majority, with sources indicating that discussions on forming a coalition government took place.

Meanwhile, the party has written to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar seeking an appointment to begin the process of government formation.

Tuesday's meeting comes amid growing speculation that the Congress and several smaller parties could join hands with the TVK to form a government.

SMALLER PARTIES HOLD KEY TO POWER

According to sources, the actor-politician is exploring talks with the Congress, Left parties, and other smaller regional outfits, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI(M), CPI, and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), to secure numbers for a coalition arrangement. Invitations to these parties are expected to be sent soon.

Notably, the Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M) and IUML are currently part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). In the April 23 polls, the Congress won five seats, while IUML, CPI, CPI(M) and VCK secured two seats each in the 234-member Assembly.

If the Congress and its allies decide to align with the TVK, Vijay’s party would comfortably cross the majority mark required to form the government.

However, the DMK has expressed confidence that the VCK and Left parties will not break away to join a Vijay-led coalition. The party, however, did not make a clear comment on the Congress’s position.

The DMK’s cautious response comes amid reports that the Congress is exploring its options following the election results. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil told India Today TV that the party would take a considered and collective decision, keeping Tamil Nadu’s interests foremost.

THE MLAs WHO ARE LIKELY TO BECOME MINISTERS

At least five of the MLAs have played a major role in helping the TVK break the duopoly of the two Dravidian behemoths, DMK and AIADMK. The team includes a fan-turned-organiser, a former IRS officer, a social media strategist who cut his teeth in the BJP, and a seasoned political heavyweight.

N Anand (Bussy Anand) – T. Nagar

Anand started his political career in Puducherry and became an MLA from the Bussy constituency in 2006. A founding member of TVK, he was the force behind transforming Vijay’s fan club, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, into a political party. He famously sat next to Vijay when the actor-turned-politician announced the party’s name and introduced the party flag.

Arunraj IRS – Thiruchengode

Arunraj is a former IRS officer with an MBBS degree. He is known for handling tax raids and investigations. He took voluntary retirement from service, saying he was drawn to Vijay’s political position and subsequently joined the party.

CTR Nirmal Kumar – Thiruparankundram

Kumar began his career in the BJP before joining TVK in 2025. He played a key role in ground analysis for TVK, assuring Vijay that the party would secure over 30 per cent vote share.

Aadhav Arjuna – Villivakkam

Arjuna is one of the most notable figures associated with Vijay’s political circle. He began his political career through his strategy firm “Voice of Commons” and was involved with the DMK during the 2021 elections, but reportedly fell out with Udhayanidhi Stalin after failing to secure a political position within the DMK. He later joined Thirumavalavan’s VCK as Deputy General Secretary, but eventually quit the VCK and joined TVK.

KA Sengottaiyan – Gobichettipalayam

A veteran AIADMK leader and long-time strongman, he was widely seen as a shadow force within the party during the Jayalalithaa era. First elected as an MLA in 1977, he went on to win nine consecutive terms from Gobichettipalayam. He joined TVK in 2025, accepting Vijay as his leader and bringing with him decades of organisational and electoral experience.

Marie Wilson – RK Nagar

The TVK leader’s candidature had come under scrutiny due to his controversial past. He faces multiple charges, including murder and cheating.

Rajmohan – Egmore

Popularly known as Put Chutney Rajmohan, he is an Indian Tamil actor, comedian, content creator, and politician. He serves as the Deputy General Secretary and Propaganda Secretary of the party. He is known for his socially driven content and motivational speeches delivered in fluent Tamil.

VS Babu – Kolathur

Babu emerged as a giant killer after defeating Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin by a margin of nearly 9,000 votes. He has over two decades of political experience, having been a DMK MLA from the Purasawalkam constituency in 2006.

JCD Prabhakar – Thousand Lights

Prabhakar is a former two-time MLA from the AIADMK. He previously won from Villivakkam in the 1980 and 2011 elections. He quit the party in 2025 and joined the TVK this year.

- Ends