TN Governor’s Vijay Block Risks Subverting People’s Mandate

The Tamil Nadu 2026 verdict signalled a rejection of the DMK and AIADMK, but Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s hesitation in inviting Vijay to form government has triggered a debate over constitutional morality and democratic mandate.

By MANISH ANAND

New Delhi, May 9, 2026 — Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s conduct is seemingly a blatant violation of the people’s mandate. That the people want a Vijay-led government in Tamil Nadu should be evident to all. But Arlekar wants to be a Constitutional purist in demanding a proof of a majority before him, in letters and signatures.

Deeds of past Governors are illuminating. Najma Heptullah, when she was Governor of Manipur, had been evidently and excessively overactive in swearing in a BJP-led government even while the Congress had more legislators. The mid-night drama in Mumbai when Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in without majority at command is a shining example of the way the Raj Bhavans have worked in the past.

The 1996 case of then Uttar Pradesh Governor Romessh Bhandari in installing a one-day CM Jagdambika Pal takes the top instance of subverting the people’s mandate.

In 1989, Rajiv Gandhi had lost the Lok Sabha elections even while the Congress emerged as the single largest party. He refused to entertain the idea of forming government, saying that the people’s mandate for the Congress was to sit in the Opposition.

Indian politics is full of instances where Presidents and Governors have acted in spirits which were not aligned with the norms laid down by the Constitution. Theoretically, a Governor under Article 164 can call anyone to take oath as the CM. Despite litigations and judicial verdicts, parliament has not yet laid down with clarity on way a government formation exercise should be done.

The Tamil Nadu 2026 verdict leaves none in doubt that the people have asked the DMK and the AIADMK to sit in the Opposition. They have rather been rejected by the people. The popular mandate in Tamil Nadu is for an alternative political dispensation.

Vijay has arrived at the political theatre in Chennai with his popularity soaring. He is the face of the change. That he is short of just a few MLAs is a temporary roadblock. The people with such a mandate signalled smaller outfits to work out a post-poll alignment.

The writing on the wall in Chennai is against the political dynasty of the DMK. The writing on the wall in Chennai is also against the politics of opportunism and unabated feuds within the AIADMK.

The post-poll alignment in Tamil Nadu has to be spurred by the force of the occasion. That occasion will come when Vijay seeks a trust vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The intervening time will hasten the pace of the political realignment according to the people’s mandate. Also, Vijay needs 50 percent plus one vote of those present and voting on the day of the Assembly, which may not necessarily be 118.

(This is an opinion piece. Views expressed are the author’s own.)

Ex-Home Secy Says Vijay Has Constitutional Right to Form Govt

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About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

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