Vijay security withdrawn amid Tamil Nadu government formation row

Tamil Nadu’s post-election political drama has taken a new turn after the sudden withdrawal of special security provided to actor-politician Vijay. The move came at a crucial time when his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is attempting to form the government after emerging as the single largest party in the 2026 Assembly elections.

TVK secured 107 seats in the elections and later received support from the Indian National Congress (INC), taking its tally to 112 MLAs. However, the party remains short of the majority mark of 118 seats required to form the government.

Also read: TVK supporters rally outside Vijay house amid govt formation talks

Amid these developments, security arrangements made for Vijay immediately after the election results were abruptly withdrawn, triggering political speculation and public debate.

Security removed

According to TVK leaders, Vijay was given Chief Minister-level security soon after the election results were announced on May 4. More than eight convoy vehicles were stationed outside his residence, and a special police deployment was arranged for his movements across Chennai.

Party sources claimed that whenever Vijay travelled between his office and residence, he was accompanied by a full security convoy similar to that provided to a serving Chief Minister.

Also read: Vijay doesn't have to 'prove' his majority since Constitution never asked him to

However, on the night of May 6, shortly after Congress formally announced support to TVK, the additional security cover was withdrawn.

Sudden change

The convoy vehicles were removed, extra police personnel were withdrawn, and even the metal detector installed outside Vijay’s residence was reportedly taken away the following morning.

When Vijay travelled from his Santhome residence to his East Coast Road residence that night, he reportedly moved in a single private vehicle without any convoy protection.

TVK leaders later stated that Vijay himself had requested the removal of the additional security cover. However, the sudden timing of the decision has raised questions within political circles.

Governor questions

Sources indicated that officials from Raj Bhavan questioned senior administrative officers over the granting of Chief Minister-level security to Vijay before government formation was complete.

Also read: Vijay, the man who says very little: Is silence golden in politics too?

Officials were reportedly asked why the Election Commission and the Governor’s office were not informed before extending the security arrangements, especially while the Model Code of Conduct was still in force.

The developments have added to tensions between the Governor’s office and political parties in Tamil Nadu over the ongoing government formation exercise.

Adding to the uncertainty, reports also emerged that two IAS officers were transferred without wider administrative consultation, leading to confusion within sections of the state bureaucracy.

Majority hurdle

TVK continues discussions with multiple parties in an effort to secure the remaining numbers needed to prove majority support.

Also read: No invite for Vijay's TVK: Why experts say TN Governor is overstepping

The Governor has reportedly asked Vijay to clearly demonstrate support from 118 MLAs before formally inviting him to form the government.

The political uncertainty has triggered intense debate across Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties accusing the Governor’s office of delaying the process while supporters of the Raj Bhavan argue that constitutional procedures are being followed.