TVK's Tamil Nadu Victory Triggers DMK Alliance Collapse; Congress, VCK Defect to Vijay Government

The victory of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election has triggered one of the biggest political realignments the state has witnessed in decades. The party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, not only defeated the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam but also disrupted the alliance structure that had helped Chief Minister M. K. Stalin dominate state politics for years. TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats, while the DMK’s tally collapsed to 59 from the 133 seats it won in 2021. Stalin also suffered a major personal setback after losing from the Kolathur constituency.

Despite falling short of a clear majority, TVK successfully formed a minority government with outside support from several regional and national parties. The first major blow to the DMK came when the Indian National Congress ended its alliance with the party soon after the election results. Congress leaders defended the move by saying they were respecting the “people’s mandate” and aligned themselves with the new political direction emerging in the state. The shift was seen as symbolic because Congress had remained one of DMK’s strongest allies through multiple election cycles.

Soon after, several smaller parties that were earlier aligned with the DMK also moved closer to the Vijay-led government. These included the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Indian Union Muslim League. Together, these parties offered outside support to TVK, arguing that preventing Governor’s Rule and stopping BJP influence in Tamil Nadu politics were their immediate priorities. Their support helped stabilize the new government during its crucial early days.

Also Read: Whistle Revolution: Youth and First-Time Voters Drive TVK’s Sudden Surge

The political shift deepened further within days of government formation when both the VCK and IUML decided to formally join the ruling coalition and become part of the ministry. Their entry into the cabinet marked a historic change in Tamil Nadu’s political culture, where coalition governments traditionally remained rare. Both the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam had long maintained that coalition rule would not suit Tamil Nadu’s political environment. TVK’s rise appears to have broken that long-standing political convention.

Tensions between the DMK and its former allies escalated further after senior DMK leader A. Raja made controversial social media remarks that drew criticism from VCK leaders and supporters. The controversy widened the rift between the two parties and exposed growing frustration within the former alliance. Minority politics also witnessed a visible shift, with sections of minority voters reportedly supporting Vijay during the election. The IUML joining the TVK-led government further weakened the DMK’s long-held image as the principal political force representing secular and minority interests in the state.

Political observers believe Tamil Nadu is now entering a new coalition-driven phase where alliances and power-sharing could become more common than before. Senior DMK leaders, including Kanimozhi, have already acknowledged the need for the party to rebuild its independent strength instead of relying heavily on alliance partners. With Congress returning to a power-sharing role in Tamil Nadu after decades and smaller regional parties gaining direct participation in governance, the state’s political landscape appears to be undergoing a major transformation, leaving the DMK politically isolated for the first time in many years.

Also Read: VCK Extends Support To TVK, Strengthening Vijay’s Position In Tamil Nadu Politics