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Tamil Nadu Governor Delays CM Swearing-In, Demands Proof for 118 MLAs Under Article 164

PolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
07 May 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Article 164234 members118 MLAs majority108 TVK MLAs113 MLAs with support
Bodies:Supreme CourtGovernor (Tamil Nadu)
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar delayed the swearing-in of TVK leader Vijay as CM, asking for proof of support from 118 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly.

2.The action tests the convention of inviting the single largest party and highlights constitutional friction under Article 164, with Supreme Court precedents like the 2018 Karnataka case emphasizing the floor test as the ultimate arbiter.

3.For exams, focus on the exact numbers (108, 113, 118, 234), the constitutional article (164), the precedent cases (Karnataka 2018, Uttarakhand 2016), and the core debate on discretionary powers.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The Tamil Nadu Governor's delay in swearing in a CM-elect reignites the constitutional debate on gubernatorial discretion versus popular mandate. This news is crucial for understanding the limits of Article 164, Supreme Court precedents on floor tests, and the evolving conventions of government formation, a recurring theme in polity questions.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Constitutional ArticleArticle 164
Assembly Strength234 members
Majority Mark118 MLAs
TVK's Strength108 MLAs
With Congress Support113 MLAs

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Constitutional Article: Article 164
  • ›Assembly Strength: 234 members
  • ›Target this Data: Majority mark of 118 in a 234-member Assembly.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: The Office of the Governor (State Executive).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Article 164 of the Constitution.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which constitutional article governs the appointment of the Chief Minister and other ministers in a state?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the recent controversy in Tamil Nadu:

1. The Governor asked for proof of support from a simple majority of the total Assembly strength.

2. The Supreme Court, in the 2018 Karnataka case, advanced the floor test to 36 hours.

3. Article 164 states that ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the Chief Minister.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the news, what was the total strength of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly mentioned in the context of the majority mark?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary constitutional principle underscored by the Supreme Court's past rulings, as mentioned in the article, for resolving disputes over government formation?

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