Tamil Nadu’s newest political force, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has quickly moved from its electoral debut to a state of open confrontation. Led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, the fledgling administration is currently locked in a deepening power struggle with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar—a friction that implicitly pits the state government against the BJP-led Centre.
The initial post-election period of cautious cooperation has evaporated, replaced by a volatile climate of political accusations. The relationship has soured over alleged interference in state affairs, investigations into political "horse-trading," and the renewed, high-stakes scrutiny surrounding the tragic Karur stampede.
U-turn on Karur
The September 2025 Karur stampede case, which had led to 41 deaths, sees CBI scrutiny intensify. 'Key witness' Vijay was earlier questioned multiple times in Delhi. Three TVK ministers stand accused in the case.
Notably, the BJP has shifted its stance dramatically. State BJP president Nainar Nagendran, who had initially blamed DMK leader V Senthil Balaji for the tragedy, now claims that Vijay was slated to arrive for the Karur rally at noon, but reached at 7 pm. Vijay thus bears some responsibility for the tragedy, he suggests.
This U-turn is widely viewed as a calculated move to mount further pressure on Vijay and his fledgling government amid the ongoing Governor-led confrontations.
Allegations of BJP-TVK proximity
Meanwhile, the DMK continues with its accusations of Vijay and his government functioning as a 'proxy' of the BJP. Party leaders point to several key instances as evidence of a tacit understanding between Vijay and the BJP leadership.
Their list of allegations, presented as 'evidence' of such TVK-BJP bonhomie, runs thus:
1) TVK getting swift approval for party registration, name and election symbol.
2) Vijay getting Y-category security immediately after the party’s launch, a privilege rarely extended so promptly to a new regional leader.
3) The TVK getting the much-coveted whistle symbol, which Vijay had expressed strong interest in.
4) The TVK, despite falling short of a clear majority and facing multiple hurdles in proving numbers, getting the opportunity from the Governor to form a coalition government.
5) The new state government singing the national anthem twice in the first Assembly session, which the Governor praised as 'historic'. The DMK says the state anthem was given the short shrift for this.
6) Vijay's final film Jana Nayagan has faced multiple Censor Board hurdles and is yet to be released, but he has not directly challenged the BJP over this.
7) Despite serious charges of horse-trading and the ongoing CBI probe into the Karur stampede, neither the Central agencies nor the Governor has taken stringent action against Vijay and the TVK.
Unease among alliance partners
Now, with the honeymoon period waning, the TVK government is facing some pinpricks caused by the Lok Bhavan. As Governor of Kerala, with additional charge of Tamil Nadu, Arlekar previously spent more time in Thiruvananthapuram. Now, though, he appears to spend more time in Tamil Nadu, signalling greater engagement.
The TVK's conspicuous silence and reluctance to take a firm anti-BJP stand on various issues has begun to create visible unease even among its own alliance partners.
CPI State Secretary M Veerapandian openly expressed disappointment, stating that the TVK is “not as resolute in opposing the BJP as the DMK,” and warned that only a clear and strong anti-BJP position from Vijay’s party would truly benefit Tamil Nadu.
He further said the Left parties had extended support to the TVK government only after securing specific assurances on opposing the BJP, underscoring that their backing is conditional on a firm ideological commitment against the saffron party.
Confront or steer quietly?
How Vijay will handle this federal push-and-pull with the Governor remains the key question. Political observers note his characteristic reticence. He typically avoids off-the-cuff media interactions and relies on prepared statements aimed at his core fan-turned-cadre base.
However, the situation demands clarity. Vijay has repeatedly signalled he will not indulge in 'blind confrontation' with the Centre, prioritising Tamil Nadu’s development, investments, and growth. He opposes the BJP ideology but seeks functional cooperation.
Vijay’s supporters await a bold stand, but his track record suggests calculated moves: focus on deliverables, anti-corruption, welfare to build credibility before 2029, while using Centre-State friction to rally anti-BJP sentiment without derailing governance.
The weeks leading up to the state budget session will test whether Vijay's 'new politics' can navigate entrenched power plays in a state long protective of its federal autonomy.
