Live: What's brewing in TN? DMK 'asks' Stalin to take decision for a 'stable' govt

Pinarayi calls LDF defeat a ‘new beginning’, flags threat to Kerala’s secular fabric

Congress calls for protest against Centre, TN Governor over TVK's claim

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K Selvaperunthagai on Thursday announced statewide protest demonstrations against the BJP-led Union Government and the Governor, accusing them of acting against constitutional principles in the post-election political developments.

The protests are scheduled to be held at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu on Friday, May 8, at 11 am, with Congress cadres expected to participate in large numbers.

In a statement, Selvaperunthagai alleged that attempts were being made to block Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from forming the government despite the party emerging as the single largest force in the 2026 Assembly elections.

He said the protests were being organised to condemn the Centre and the Governor for "acting against the Constitution" and for allegedly trying to prevent TVK from staking its claim to form the government.

The Congress leader called on party workers and alliance supporters to take part in the demonstrations and register their opposition to what he described as an assault on democratic norms.

TVK reaches out to CPI as numbers fall short in Tamil Nadu

The TVK intensified its efforts to secure support for government formation in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, with the party’s Joint General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar, accompanied by senior leaders, meeting Communist Party of India (CPI) representatives at the party’s office in Chennai.

The outreach comes as TVK, backed by Congress legislators, continues to seek additional numbers to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

After the meeting, Nirmal Kumar told reporters that both the CPI and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi would take an internal call before responding to TVK’s request.

"They (CPI and VCK) will discuss it in their executive committee and general body meetings. Following their internal procedures, they will give us their answer," he said.

He also ruled out any possibility of seeking support from NDA constituents.

"We haven't approached any parties in the NDA, and we have no such intention," he said, adding that TVK remains committed to the principle that allies backed by the public should "have a role in government."

CPI State Secretary Veerapandiyan later confirmed that the party would hold an "emergency state executive committee meeting" on Friday after receiving Vijay’s letter seeking support.

Meanwhile, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar informed TVK that it had not yet demonstrated the majority support required to form the government, with the alliance currently five seats short in the Assembly.

TN Governor seeks explanation over Vijay’s security cover

Even before being elected as Chief Minister, why was Vijay provided with the special security protocol meant for the Chief Minister? From whom was permission obtained for this? Why were special security officers appointed for Vijay? Tamil Nadu Governor has sought explanations on these matters from the Chief Secretary, DGP, and other senior officials. Last night, the security provided to Vijay was withdrawn. Currently, there is no police security at Vijay’s Panaiyur office and residence.

LIVE | TN twist: Governor rejects Vijay’s bid again, meets EPS today; what’s happening?

DMK leader EV Velu meets Rajinikanth at his residence

Congress high command will choose Kerala CM: Sunny Joseph

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph said the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) resolution authorises the party high command to choose the Chief Minister. "Party observers met with 63 newly elected MLAs and gathered their views. They will submit their report to the leadership tomorrow, and the high command will make the final decision," said Joseph.

Tamil Nadu deadlock deepens as allies back Vijay’s claim

Talks between the DMK leadership and representatives of the VCK, CPI(M), and CPI ended on Thursday as Tamil Nadu’s post-election uncertainty deepened. Earlier in the day, VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan met Governor Rajendra Arlekar, urging him to invite TVK leader Vijay to form the government as the head of the single largest party.

He accused the BJP leadership of destabilising state politics, saying, "Now, the BJP, or Amit Shah and Modi, are interfering in Tamil Nadu politics and creating confusion." He also insisted that constitutional convention must prevail: "He should be allowed to take office... Whether he has an absolute majority or not should be proved only in the Assembly."

The CPI echoed that position, calling it "not appropriate" for the Governor to demand proof before swearing-in. CPI(M) confirmed it had received Vijay’s support request. With TVK holding 107 seats, its alliance remains five short of majority.

People will blame BJP for delay in TVK govt formation: Kasturi

Actor and BJP leader Kasturi said Vijay should be allowed to form the government. "Any hurdle in Vijay's path will be seen NOT as a constitutional delay but only as a dirty game played by the BJP . Even if it is not true," she wrote on X.

Vijay yet to establish majority: Lok Bhavan release

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has informed Vijay that his party TVK has not established the requisite majority to form the government in Tamil Nadu, according to a Lok Bhavan (formerly Raj Bhavan) release.