Tamil Nadu verdict 2026: Will TVK chief Vijay form government with Congress?

The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election has paved the way for a dramatic political shift, with actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party TVK emerging as a major force, possibly even the single largest party.

For the first time in six decades, a non-Dravidian party appears poised to form the government in the state.

However, the big question remains whether Vijay can form the government on his own. In the 234-member Assembly, the majority mark stands at 118 seats. If TVK falls short, Tamil Nadu could be heading toward a coalition with Vijay and the Congress forming a government or will Vijay go at it alone as a minority government — a scenario last seen around two decades ago.

Tamil Nadu has witnessed such a situation before. After the 2006 elections, the DMK led by M Karunanidhi formed a minority government with just 96 seats, well below the majority mark. It survived with outside support from the Congress and other allies, allowing Karunanidhi to serve his fifth term as Chief Minister.

Past precedent

At the time, the arrangement drew sharp criticism from political rivals, with J Jayalalithaa repeatedly mocking the fragile setup. Yet, the government managed to complete its term, showing that minority administrations can survive with strategic backing.

Now, Vijay faces similar choices. One option is to form a government with outside support. Regional parties such as PMK, VCK, and DMDK, along with Left parties like CPI(M), could play a crucial role if they secure enough seats.

Also read: Media repeatedly got it wrong on Vijay's TVK: Political analyst Rangaraj

Another possibility is a post-poll understanding with the AIADMK. However, this comes with challenges. Vijay has positioned himself as an alternative to both Dravidian majors, and aligning with AIADMK could dilute his anti-establishment appeal. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether Edappadi K Palaniswami would abdicate his leadership space.

Alliance options

An alliance with the BJP appears unlikely. Vijay has consistently projected the party as a political opponent, making any post-poll tie-up difficult under current circumstances.

This leaves the Congress as a potential key player. According to sources, back-channel discussions may already be underway. The Congress could extend outside support to a Vijay-led government, even without joining the cabinet. Such an arrangement may also include smaller parties like VCK, CPI, CPI(M), and IUML.

Also read: ‘No one can stop Vijay’: Sengottaiyan backs TVK chief, predicts sweeping victory

Given their limited numbers, these parties may not have significant bargaining power, potentially making coalition management easier for Vijay.

Defining moment

For Vijay, this is a defining political moment. Transitioning from cinema to politics, he now stands on the brink of power in one of India’s most politically dynamic states. But forming the government is only the first step. Sustaining it will depend on how effectively he negotiates alliances, manages competing interests, and ensures administrative stability.

As the results settle, one question remains: Will Tamil Nadu see a stable government under Vijay, or is a coalition era set to return?

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