POLITICAL UPDATE: Tamil Nadu suspense deepens as Kerala CM race triggers internal power struggle

Political uncertainty continues to intensify in Tamil Nadu as government formation remains unresolved, with the final equation still dependent on alliance negotiations. The focus remains on actor-turned-politician Vijay, whose path to forming a government is facing delays due to incomplete majority support and ongoing alliance discussions. A key development is the crucial role of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which is expected to announce its decision on supporting Vijay’s political formation at 4 PM. While Vijay’s alliance is reported to have support from around 116 MLAs, it still falls short of the required majority mark of 117, making VCK’s decision decisive. Internal negotiations are reportedly ongoing, with discussions involving demands such as cabinet representation, deputy chief minister posts, and welfare commitments for specific communities. The situation has created a highly suspenseful political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu, with final clarity on government formation still pending. Analysts suggest that smaller parties are gaining significant bargaining power due to the narrow margin, making coalition dynamics more complex than expected. Meanwhile, a parallel political development is unfolding in Kerala, where the Congress party is engaged in internal discussions over the selection of its next Chief Minister. Senior leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are expected to meet in Delhi to finalize the decision. Names such as V. D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K. C. Venugopal are reportedly in contention. Reports indicate internal factionalism within the Kerala Congress unit, with supporter groups actively displaying posters and counter-posters, reflecting a competitive internal race. The final decision is expected either later today or within the next 24 hours. Overall, both Tamil Nadu and Kerala are witnessing high-stakes political developments, with coalition negotiations and leadership selection processes shaping the next phase of governance in both states.