Swearing-in unlikely as Vijay struggles for majority

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan this evening to formally stake his claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu. Despite emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, the party remains 10 seats short of the 118 required for a simple majority. The Governor reportedly remains unconvinced by the current figures, making the planned swearing-in ceremony for 7 May unlikely to proceed as scheduled.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge extended their support through their 5 legislators following a high-profile meeting at the Panaiyur headquarters. Vijay personally invited Rahul Gandhi to the inauguration, yet the combined tally of 113 still leaves the front-runner 5 seats short of a stable mandate. Efforts to secure the remaining numbers continue as the party leadership explores potential backing from other regional players to break the deadlock.