Failed Bid to Appoint Thirumavalavan as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

A last-minute political maneuver to appoint Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has failed, according to senior party sources. The proposal emerged after initial negotiations for an AIADMK government with DMK support encountered significant hurdles. The plan involved securing backing from both major Dravidian parties to make Thirumavalavan the first Scheduled Caste Chief Minister in the state's history. However, the AIADMK struggled to secure consent from its MLAs, and Thirumavalavan ultimately rejected the offer. He cited concerns that accepting the role would appear as hijacking the people's mandate, given that the TVK party won 108 constituencies while the VCK secured only two seats. Additionally, Left parties refused to support an AIADMK-led government due to perceived BJP influence. Consequently, the VCK, along with CPI and CPI-M, threw their support behind TVK leader C. Joseph Vijay to prevent the imposition of Governor’s rule. Thirumavalavan formally submitted his letter of support to the TVK on May 9, 2026, ending the speculation and paving the way for Vijay’s swearing-in.