The Indian National Congress (INC), in a significant development after the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026 on Wednesday, has extended conditional support to actor-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the next government in the state.

However, the party has laid down a clear precondition before TVK; the alliance must exclude any ‘communal forces’ that do not adhere to the Indian Constitution.

Rahul Gandhi (Left) and TVK Chief Vijay (Right)

Party in-charge sheds light on development

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and its legislative wing landed on the decision, party in-charge Girish Chodankar. The Congress released an official statement, emphasising that its support hinges on maintaining a secular alliance framework. The statement read, “Our support shall be conditional upon the TVK keeping out any communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution.” The Congress also brought in five MLA, elevating Vijay’s seat tally from 107 to 112. However, it still falls short of the 118-seat majority mark required in the 234-member Assembly.

Congress party in-charge Girish Chodankar

Vijay initiates talk with other parties too

To bridge the gap, party chief Vijay has reportedly begun talks with other parties, such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM). Given that these parties extended their support, the TVK-led alliance could reach 119 seats, just above the halfway mark, resulting in the formation of the government.

Dravidian dominance ends in TN

The election results marked a political turning point in the South Indian state, with TVK emerging as the single largest party. It shattered the decades-long dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

Notably, TVK assumed dominance on 108 seats, falling just 10 short of a majority, while the DMK was reduced to 59 seats, and the AIADMK could manage just 47. Vijay contested and won from both his constituencies, namely Trichy East and Perambur. As per sources, he is likely to retain Perambur, which would necessitate a by-election in Trichy East.