PMK To Make Vijay ‘Chennai Super King’? How many seats does PMK have? How many does Vijay’s TVK need to form a TVK government in Tamil Nadu? Why is PMK quiet? News18 explains
Vijay, PMK’s Anbumani Ramadoss. (PTI File)
The results of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections have created a dramatic hung assembly where the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) holds a critical “kingmaker” position.
With the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as the single largest party but falling short of a majority, the PMK’s small but decisive block of seats could determine who forms the next government.
About PMK
PMK, headed by Anbumani Ramadoss, is an ally of the AIADMK-led NDA and had contested 18 Assembly seats.
The Numbers Game
In the 234-member assembly, the magic number for a simple majority is 118 seats.
| Party | Seats Won | Current Status |
| TVK (Vijay) | 107* | Single largest party; needs 11 more for majority. |
| DMK | 59 | Exploring a “block” with AIADMK to stop TVK. |
| AIADMK | 47 | Third largest; internally divided on supporting TVK. |
| Congress | 5 | Extended support to TVK, bringing their total to 112. |
| PMK | 4 | The Critical Gap Filler; their support is now pivotal. |
*TVK won 108 seats, but effective strength is 107 as Vijay won two constituencies (Perambur and Trichy East) and must vacate one.
Vijay Yet To Become ‘Thalapathy’ In The House: SC’s Take On Raj Bhavan Vs Floor Test Explained
Why PMK is the “missing” piece
The TVK currently sits at 112 seats with Congress support. To reach the 118 mark, Vijay needs exactly 6 more seats.
- If the PMK (4 seats) joins TVK, the alliance reaches 116, just 2 seats shy of the mark.
- While the PMK has only 4 seats, their silence is currently the biggest hurdle for Vijay. They have reportedly been approached by both the TVK camp and the Dravidian majors.
- DMK and AIADMK (combined 106 seats) are reportedly discussing an unprecedented partnership specifically to block TVK from power. If the PMK or other smaller parties like VCK (2 seats) and the Left (2 seats) side with this block, Vijay’s path to the CM chair could be completely blocked.
What is the current standoff?
The Tamil Nadu Governor has already asked Vijay to produce “clear documentary evidence” of support from 118 MLAs.
As of May 7, 2026, the Governor was not satisfied with the numbers presented, leaving the government formation in limbo.
TVK’s Move: They are targeting PMK, VCK, and Left parties to cross the line.
PMK’s Stance: They remain officially silent but are expected to leverage their 4 seats for significant cabinet positions or policy concessions in a potential coalition.
KEY FAQs
Can PMK help Vijay form a government?
Yes. If Pattali Makkal Katchi supports Vijay and his party after the election, their MLAs could help him cross the majority mark in the assembly.
Does support have to come before elections?
No. In India, parties can support each other either through pre-poll alliances or post-poll arrangements after seat numbers become clear.
Would the governor consider such support?
Yes. Governors usually look at whether a leader can demonstrate majority backing through alliance letters or a floor test in the assembly.
With agency inputs
Read More
