Tamil Nadu Political Deadlock Deepens as TVK Threatens Mass Resignation
Political uncertainty intensified in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Thursday after actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) reportedly warned that all of its legislators could resign if rival parties attempt to form the next government.
According to multiple Indian media reports, the warning came amid continuing negotiations following a hung assembly verdict in the recent Tamil Nadu state elections.
TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats but fell short of the 118-seat majority required to form a government.
Sources quoted by NDTV and India Today said TVK legislators were considering mass resignation if either the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by M.K. Stalin, or the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, attempted to stake a claim to power.
The development has added to an already volatile political situation in the southern Indian state, where coalition negotiations and allegations of possible defections have dominated post-election discussions.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has reportedly asked TVK chief Vijay to furnish letters of support from legislators before being invited to form the government.
Meanwhile, AIADMK has moved several of its newly elected legislators to a private resort in Puducherry, a neighbouring union territory, in what political observers described as an attempt to prevent defections during ongoing negotiations.
Reports suggested that between 25 and 28 AIADMK MLAs were relocated to the resort amid speculation that TVK was seeking their support to cross the majority threshold.
AIADMK officials, however, denied reports of internal divisions. The party’s leadership said all legislators remained united behind Mr Palaniswami’s political strategy.
The Times of India and other Indian media outlets also reported speculation of backchannel talks between sections of AIADMK and TVK over a possible power-sharing arrangement, including reports that senior AIADMK figures could be offered key ministerial positions.
The DMK legislature party has also authorised M.K. Stalin to take decisions regarding possible government formation amid the continuing impasse.
The current political situation marks a major shift in Tamil Nadu politics, traditionally dominated for decades by the DMK and AIADMK. Vijay’s TVK, contesting its first major election, significantly disrupted the state’s long-standing two-party political landscape.
Constitutional experts cited in Indian media reports said several outcomes remain possible if no party proves a majority, including coalition formation, fresh elections or the imposition of President’s Rule.
