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Vijay's TVK struggling to form Tamil Nadu government. Arch rivals DMK and AIADMK coming together?
ET Online | May 8, 2026 6:19 AM CST

Synopsis

Vijay's TVK emerged as the largest party in Tamil Nadu but fell short of a majority. While Congress offered support, it wasn't enough. Speculation of an unprecedented DMK-AIADMK alliance to form a government arose after Vijay's swearing-in was delayed. However, DMK reportedly rejected an AIADMK proposal, preferring to remain in opposition.

DMK AIADMK alliance Tamil Nadu Vijay TVK
Despite emerging as the single largest party in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu election results 2026, Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has fallen short of meeting a simple majority to form the government. The Congress, which won 5 seats, has offered support to TVK but still Vijay's party falls short of a simple majority of 118 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

ALSO READ: Will Vijay's TVK form government in Tamil Nadu?


DMK-AIADMK alliance on cards?

With a lot of political developments happening in Tamil Nadu, two arch rivals, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) are exploring options to form an alliance in the state if Vijay’s TVK falls short of the majority mark, reports The Indian Express. The speculation around the DMK-AIADMK alliance grew stronger after the swearing-in ceremony of Vijay did not happen on Wednesday.


ALSO READ: TN CM 2026: What will happen if Vijay's TVK fails to prove majority?

However, there has been no official word either from the DMK or AIADMK regarding the alliance formation in Tamil Nadu. If the DMK-AIADMK alliance happens, this would be an unprecedented shift in Tamil Nadu's politics.

DMK-AIADMK govt formation in Tamil Nadu?

Rumours have begun swirling of a possible alliance between DMK and the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu with Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The DMK, with 59 seats, and the AIADMK, with 47, together command 106 seats — 12 short of the simple majority mark. Among the DMK allies, the IUML, CPI, CPM and VCK have won two seats each, while the DMDK has secured one seat. On the AIADMK side, ally PMK has bagged four seats. However, it remains uncertain how such a coalition could function given the presence of AIADMK ally PMK and its political rival VCK, which is aligned with the DMK.

“Nothing has formally happened yet. But conversations among leaders and internal meetings across camps suggest that this possibility is no longer just theoretical,” The Indian Express reported citing sources.

DMK rejects AIADMK proposal

The AIADMK is learnt to have reached out to the DMK seeking support to form a government in Tamil Nadu after the recent elections resulted in a hung Assembly. “The first move came from AIADMK, and DMK did not reject it instantly," Express reported, citing sources.

However, the DMK leadership quickly rejected the proposal, sources told The Hindu on Wednesday evening. According to the sources, the party was “firm on sitting in the Opposition” and was not willing to go against the people’s mandate.

How many numbers are needed to form TN govt?

Vijay's TVK won 108 seats in the Assembly poll results, but its tally is effectively 107 since Vijay will have to vacate one of the two constituencies he contested and won. In the resulting 233-member House, the majority mark is 117.


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