The Governor who forgot his job

The Tamil Nadu Assembly election verdict of 2026 was decisive. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), contesting its first election, emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in a House of 234. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was reduced to 59. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) won 47. TVK founder, C. Joseph Vijay, had defeated the two Dravidian parties that had ruled Tamil Nadu uninterrupted for 59 years between them. The voter had spoken plainly. Lok Bhavan listened selectively.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar refused to invite the leader of the single largest party to form the government. Instead, he demanded signed letters from 118 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) before he would administer the oath. Mr. Vijay went to the Lok Bhavan three times, and each time he was sent back. Last-minute support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) eventually took the tally to 121. The Governor then graciously consented. The swearing-in was fixed for May 10 and the Governor has further directed the Chief Minister to seek a vote of confidence on or before May 13. Every step of this exercise is constitutionally wrong. The errors are not minor. They go to the foundation of parliamentary democracy in the States.