VCK, IUML extend unconditional support to Vijay’s TVK; alliance with DMK intact, says Thirumavalavan

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national president K.M. Kader Mohideen on Saturday (May 9, 2026) extended unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government in Tamil Nadu.

In identically worded letters, similar to those sent by the Left parties and addressed to the Governor, Mr. Thirumavalavan and Mr. Mohideen said their respective parties extended unconditional support to the TVK, under the leadership of party president C. Joseph Vijay, to form the government. Both parties have two MLAs-elect each. They contested as a part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance.

‘Won’t affect relationship with DMK’

​”We have extended our support to ensure that the VCK does not become an obstacle to Mr. Vijay’s TVK — which has secured 108 seats — forming the government, and to prevent the imposition of President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Thirumavalavan said, adding: “Our alliance within the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance will continue. As a political party, we have taken this decision by exercising our independent right. This will not affect our relationship with the DMK.”

IUML national president K.M. Kader Mohideen hands over the party’s letter of support to TVK leaders on Saturday
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Special Arrangement

The letter of support from the IUML came as a surprise, as Mr. Mohideen had previously stated the party remained firmly within the DMK-led alliance and had not issued any letter backing the party led by Mr. Vijay.

With the backing of the VCK and the IUML, the TVK now has the support of 120 MLAs-elect, (as Mr. Vijay contested from two seats), two more than the majority mark of 118 in the 234-member House. The TVK, which won 108 seats, had already secured the support of five Congress MLAs-elect and two each from the CPI and the CPI(M).