Chennai

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has dissolved the state Legislative Assembly with effect from May 5, following the recently concluded elections.

The move comes after the polls in which Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, emerged as the largest party. However, the party is still short of a clear majority and is in the process of gathering support to form the government, according to sources.

TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling ten short of the majority mark. With Vijay expected to vacate one of the two constituencies he won, the party’s effective strength will reduce further. Sources indicated that the Governor is not yet fully satisfied with the numbers presented and, as a result, Vijay is unlikely to be sworn in as Chief Minister immediately.

Despite the shortfall, TVK has reportedly received backing from five MLAs of the Indian National Congress, which had contested the election as part of an alliance led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The Congress leadership has now decided to extend its support to TVK in government formation.

Earlier in the day, Vijay met Governor Arlekar at Lok Bhavan in Chennai as part of efforts to stake a claim. The Governor confirmed that he had received a formal letter from TVK asserting majority support and said a meeting with the party leader had been scheduled.

Vijay, who won from both Tiruchirapalli East and Perambur constituencies, has drawn significant attention with his electoral debut, demonstrating political appeal beyond his film career.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Congress President K Selvaperunthagai, along with state in-charge Girish Chodankar, met Vijay at the party headquarters and formally conveyed their support. Selvaperunthagai stated that the decision to back TVK was taken by the party’s central leadership, adding that the timeline for the oath-taking ceremony would depend on further developments.

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The election outcome has significantly altered Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, breaking the decades-long dominance of the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The results, announced on May 4, mark a major shift in the state’s electoral politics.