- By Aditya Jha
- Fri, 08 May 2026 01:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tamil Nadu Deadlock: Tamil Nadu has witnessed a political crisis as the Vijay-led TVK, the single largest party, has failed to prove a majority to the governor. The governor has asked the newly formed party to submit signatures of 118 legislators, the number required to form a government in Tamil Nadu. The regional parties, including VCK and left parties, have sought time to make the final call. The reports have suggested that even the arch-rivals DMK and AIADMK are considering forming an alliance, further complicating the situation.
Can TVK's MLAs Resign Simply?
Vijay's party, to counter this situation, has announced that all the 107 MLAs of TVK would resign if either DMK or AIADMK stakes a claim to form a government. However, as per Article 190(3)(b) of the Constitution, the resignation of MLAs becomes effective only if it is accepted by the Speaker. The Speaker takes the final call after consulting with the legislators, ensuring the decision is "genuine".
However, the Supreme Court has also asserted that while the speaker can consult the MLAs, they cannot delay the decision indefinitely for political reasons.
What Can Be The Complications?
As per the rules, even if the MLAs of TVK resign, the governor would initially prioritise forming the next government. The resignation would later be considered once the speaker is appointed, potentially delaying the process. The governments of AIADMK and DMK would not collapse even if the MLAs resign, as the total majority line will drop.
However, as per Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, the Election Commission would be required to conduct a by-election on these 107 seats within six months. The TVK could benefit from this move as they would seek support from the public and would also raise questions on the functioning of the governor. The picture of the next government in Tamil Nadu is likely to get clear in the next two to three days.