Thalapathy Vijay Faces Shock Setback in Tamil Nadu Power Battle

The political drama in Tamil Nadu has intensified after Thalapathy Vijay suffered a major setback in his bid to form the next government despite emerging as the single-largest force in the Assembly elections.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured 108 seats in the high-voltage electoral battle, positioning Vijay at the center of a historic power shift. However, the road to power has suddenly hit a wall after Governor R. N. Ravi reportedly refused to invite Vijay to form the government due to a lack of confirmed majority support.

Vijay had claimed the backing of 118 MLAs — the crucial magic number required to stake claim in the Assembly. But after verification by Raj Bhavan officials, only 116 legislators were found to have submitted written letters of support. The missing two numbers have now triggered a full-scale constitutional and political deadlock.

“Stable governments cannot be formed on claims of 113 or 116 MLAs,” the Governor is said to have firmly conveyed while withholding the invitation for swearing-in.

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The crisis deepened further after two expected allies — Indian Union Muslim League and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam — publicly distanced themselves from the TVK-led alliance. The AMMK, led by T. T. V. Dhinakaran, reportedly urged the Governor to instead consider inviting All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to form the government.

Meanwhile, the Left parties — Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) — announced outside support to Vijay but clarified they would not join the Cabinet. Five Congress MLAs also extended support, yet the numbers still failed to touch the majority mark.

Amid growing uncertainty, TVK MLA Mary Wilson projected confidence and said, “Vijay will remain Chief Minister not only for the next five years but for a long time ahead. We are hopeful of positive developments by tonight.”

With alliance equations rapidly shifting and pressure mounting inside Tamil Nadu’s political corridors, the battle for power is now entering a decisive and unpredictable phase. All eyes are now on whether Vijay can secure the final numbers needed to unlock Fort St. George or whether Tamil Nadu is headed toward a prolonged political standoff.