After the Indian National Congress extended support to actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a new twist has emerged in Tamil Nadu politics. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), an ally of the BJP-led NDA, has now entered the picture.

TVK currently holds 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly. It needs 10 more to cross the majority mark of 118. Vijay has already ruled out any alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, calling it an “ideological enemy.” So far, TVK appears more inclined to work with Congress and Left parties.

AIADMK signals openness

Amid growing speculation, AIADMK leader C. V. Shanmugam said the final call will rest with the party leadership. He spoke as party MLAs gathered in Chennai, even as reports suggested possible talks between AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Vijay.

Some reports claim a section within AIADMK supports an alliance with TVK. At the same time, there are murmurs of dissatisfaction with Palaniswami’s leadership among a few MLAs.

Party spokesperson Kovai Sathyan acknowledged that discussions are gaining pace. However, he dismissed any claims of internal division.

"Some momentum between the two camps, between the AIADMK and the TVK. High command will take a decision, so there is some momentum which has started since yesterday night. So let's wait for the time; as of now, it's too early to talk about numbers. There is some momentum, so let's wait for the outcome. The high command will take the final decision. Absolutely, there is no difference of opinion; the high command's decision is final and the high command will take a decision very soon. There is no question of that. Absolutely, there is no internal rift or split in AIADMK. High command will make a decision very soon," he said.

He also made it clear that the next move must come from Vijay. "The ball is in Mr Vijay's court. The majority decision will be taken by the high command. If he has to turn the dream into reality, it has to come from Mr Vijay's side."

Numbers tighten, race intensifies

With Congress backing, TVK now has support from 113 MLAs. It still needs five more to form the government. Vijay has already sought time to meet Governor Rajendra Arlekar as part of the government formation process.

Rift in opposition bloc

Congress’ decision has created tension within its long-time alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The party reacted strongly, accusing Congress of betrayal.

DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai criticised the move sharply.

"I think this is a very short-sighted, myopic stand taken by the Congress, which they will regret. The 2029 big elections are coming, where we were very confident that we will be able to remove the BJP. But now, because of this decision by the Congress, it has made them a very unstable partner. The perception that is out in the entire country is that Congress cannot be trusted," he said.

A major political shift

TVK’s rise has disrupted the long-standing dominance of DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. A new party not only breaking this duopoly but also moving close to forming the government signals a major shift in voter mood.

The final outcome will shape not just state politics but could also influence national alliances in the coming years.