Tamil Nadu opposition urges governor to invite TVK chief Vijay to form government amid coalition talks
A coalition of opposition parties in Tamil Nadu called on the state governor on May 12 to invite TVK chief Vijay to form the next state government, alleging bias by the governor and the BJP. The demand was voiced by CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam and TVK general secretary Arun Raj, who cited Supreme Court precedents that a majority must be proven on the floor of the assembly.
The call comes after the May 3 state elections produced a hung assembly, with the ruling DMK falling short of a clear majority. The governor’s delay in convening the assembly has sparked a constitutional debate, echoing past disputes in Indian states where the governor’s role in government formation became politicised.
CPI(M) leader Shanmugam accused the BJP of exploiting the governor’s office, while Arun Raj reminded the court that “the majority should only be proved on the floor of the House”. Reuters reports that the governor has not yet scheduled a confidence vote, whereas The Hindu notes that the TVK has secured unconditional support from the VCK and IUML, as declared by VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan. The DMK chief M.K. Stalin also welcomed the alliance’s statement, saying it would sustain the Secular Progressive Alliance’s agenda.
Political analysts say the governor’s indecision could lead to a protracted stalemate, risking administrative paralysis. Dr. S. Rao, a constitutional law professor at Madras University, warned that “any perception of partisan bias can erode public confidence in the democratic process and may invite judicial intervention”.
The next steps hinge on the governor’s schedule for a floor test. Observers expect a decision within the next week; if the TVK fails to demonstrate a majority, the DMK could be invited to form a minority government or fresh elections might be called. The unfolding scenario will also test the strength of new regional alliances ahead of the 2026 state budget.