Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026 Highlights: AIADMK rules out support for TVK in govt formation

A fierce political row has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Congress signalled support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) accusing its long-time ally of “backstabbing” the mandate.

TVK, which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, is short of a majority and has reached out to multiple parties for support. The Congress, with five MLAs, confirmed that it is considering backing Vijay’s bid to form the government.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from the DMK. Party spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai alleged that Congress had betrayed both the alliance and the people.

“They have backstabbed the people of Tamil Nadu… even before the ink on the returning officer’s signature dried, they chose to go ahead with an alliance,” he said.

Annadurai pointed out that the Congress had been supported by the DMK leadership, including chief minister M. K. Stalin, who had projected Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the national level. He questioned the arithmetic behind the move, noting that Congress’s five MLAs would not be sufficient to ensure stability for the TVK government.

“They need at least 11 to 12 MLAs. What difference will five make?” he asked, accusing the Congress of “self-destructing” for limited political gains.

The controversy has been further complicated by parallel talks between TVK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which has 47 seats. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami is reportedly in discussions with TVK, raising questions about which alliance Vijay will ultimately choose.

The results have upended Tamil Nadu’s traditional political order, delivering a shock defeat to the DMK and pushing the AIADMK to third place. Since 1967, power in the state has alternated between these two Dravidian majors or their fronts.

For Vijay, the breakthrough is unprecedented, but the path to power remains uncertain. With competing offers and rising political tensions, the formation of the next government has turned into a high-stakes battle — one that could redefine alliances in Tamil Nadu.