Congress Ready To Back Vijay’s TVK For Tamil Nadu Govt On Power-Sharing Deal, Say Sources

Chennai: The political arithmetic in Tamil Nadu appears to be shifting, with sources indicating that the Congress is prepared to extend support to actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the next state government. However, as per sources, the Congress backing comes with a clear condition of a formal power-sharing arrangement that would give the Congress a stake in the administration.

According to reports, the discussions between the two sides have gathered pace following the recent Assembly outcome, where no single formation secured an outright majority. TVK, which made a striking electoral debut under Vijay’s leadership, has emerged as the single largest party but remains short of the halfway mark. Against the given backdrop, the Congress offer could prove decisive in shaping the next government in Chennai.  

As per the party insiders, the Congress leadership has communicated its willingness to back a TVK-led dispensation, provided key cabinet portfolios and a role in governance are part of the pact. The sources added that preliminary talks have already touched upon the contours of a possible common programme and the distribution of responsibilities.

TVK's Historic Tamil Nadu Verdict

According to political analysts, the Tamil Nadu Congress unit has resolved to extend conditional support to Vijay’s TVK, which has paved the way for a coalition government after the 2026 Assembly elections. TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member House, shattering the state’s 6-decade-old Dravidian duopoly by defeating the DMK and relegating the AIADMK to third place. Sources confirmed that the resolution was passed in a virtual meeting, with Congress, which won 5 seats, likely to seek 2 Cabinet berths and key board chairmanships in return for its support. A formal letter is expected on Wednesday, after which Congress MLAs are set to meet Vijay at Panaiyur to finalise alliance details.

Despite a historic performance, TVK remained 10 seats short of the 118-mark needed for a simple majority, leading Vijay to begin coalition talks before his likely swearing-in as Chief Minister on May 7 with 9 ministers. The party is also reaching out to the VCK, CPI(M), CPI, IUML and other smaller outfits to secure the numbers, with invitations expected soon. While the DMK maintained that the Left and VCK will not join a Vijay-led front, it has stayed silent on Congress’s move. 

Power-Sharing At The Centre Of Talks

The analysts suggested that the Congress's move was a pragmatic bid to remain relevant in Tamil Nadu politics after years of playing junior partner in Dravidian-led alliances. A power-sharing formula would allow the national party to secure ministerial berths and influence policy decisions, rather than offer outside support.

“Any support will be based on a structured understanding on governance,” a senior Congress functionary said, requesting anonymity, adding that the condition is power-sharing, not just a post-poll handshake. The party is understood to be seeking departments that align with its social justice and welfare agenda.

What Are TVK's Options

Amidst various speculations regarding the formation of the next government in Tamil Nadu, TVK leaders have so far kept their cards close to their chest. The sources close to Vijay claimed that while the party has not formally responded to the Congress proposal, the leadership is evaluating all options to ensure a stable government. The actor-turned-politician had campaigned on a platform of clean governance and youth empowerment, and any alliance would be measured against those commitments.

Meanwhile, the coming days are expected to see further rounds of discussion in Chennai, with both sides keen to avoid a prolonged stalemate. Further, after an agreement between the two parties, the alliance would mark the first time Vijay’s outfit assumes office, and the first instance of the Congress entering a power-sharing pact with a newly formed state party in Tamil Nadu.