A dramatic political split unfolded in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after the Congress severed ties with the DMK and threw its weight behind actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in the race to form the next government.

Reacting sharply to the development, senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan declared that the national opposition coalition — INDIA bloc — had effectively ceased to exist. He accused the Congress of abandoning a long-standing partner at a critical political moment.

Fractured Verdict Alters Political Equations

The Assembly election delivered a hung verdict, with no party securing the 118 seats required for a majority in the 234-member House. TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats. The Congress, holding five seats, decided to extend support to Vijay’s party, significantly reshaping post-poll arithmetic in the state.

Elangovan indicated that allied parties such as the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) were free to determine their own political course. He maintained that the DMK would not pressure its allies and would respect whatever decision they arrive at.

Congress Defends Strategic Shift

The Congress justified its move as an effort to respect the public’s call for change and to facilitate the formation of what it described as a secular government. Party sources suggested that supporting TVK would prevent the BJP or its allies from gaining a foothold in the state. The decision also opens the possibility of Congress participating in government in Tamil Nadu for the first time in decades, potentially through ministerial roles.

DMK Condemns Congress in Party Resolutions

At a key meeting of party legislators, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) passed multiple resolutions criticising the Congress’s decision. The party described the move as a betrayal and authorised Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to take swift political and administrative decisions depending on how events unfold.

The resolutions stated that the electorate had produced no decisive majority and accused the Congress leadership of failing to rein in leaders who made statements against the DMK alliance during the campaign. The party alleged that Congress had acted in a manner similar to tactics it previously criticised in rival parties.

Governor Declines Vijay’s Claim — Again

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar declined Vijay’s request to form the government for the second consecutive day. During his meeting at the Raj Bhavan, Vijay was reportedly informed that he must demonstrate support from at least 118 legislators before the swearing-in process can proceed.

Sources indicated that although TVK secured Congress’s backing, Vijay only conveyed this support verbally and sought additional time to gather formal endorsements. On the previous day, he had approached the Governor with letters from 112 MLAs — still short of the majority mark.

With the current Assembly’s term set to conclude on May 10, the Governor retains the constitutional window to make a final determination.

TVK has since initiated talks with the Left parties, VCK, and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in a bid to consolidate numbers and end the uncertainty. While the Left parties are expected to clarify their stance soon, other regional allies are yet to announce their decision.

The unfolding developments have not only reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape but also cast fresh doubts over the cohesion and future direction of the INDIA bloc at the national level.