The Election Commission of India recognised Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as a state party in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on September 10, reserving the Whistle symbol permanently. ECI communication dated September 9. TVK won 108 seats (34.92%) in Tamil Nadu and 2 seats (16.85%) in Puducherry in the 2026 election. On the same day, the Vijay-led alliance was officially named the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance.
The Election Commission of India on September 10 officially recognised Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as a state party in Tamil Nadu — and simultaneously in the Union Territory of Puducherry — permanently reserving the Whistle as the party's election symbol. The ECI communication was dated September 9.
TVK has gone from a freshly registered, unrecognised party (January 2026 — when the Whistle was allotted as a common symbol for the election) to a fully recognised state party in under nine months. Recognition under Para 6A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 gives TVK:
| State | Seats Contested | Seats Won | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 233 of 234 | 107 | 34.92% |
| Puducherry (UT) | 28 of 30 | 2 | 16.85% |
Any one of three routes qualifies a party for state recognition: (1) at least 6% of valid votes and 2 Assembly seats; (2) at least 8% of valid votes; (3) at least 3% of total Assembly seats. TVK cleared all three in Tamil Nadu with enormous margin. In Puducherry, the 2-seat win alongside 16.85% vote share met the threshold separately.
Vijay — who was in London on his UK investment tour when the announcement was made — said: "The recognition of the party and its election symbol is a major achievement for TVK. The Whistle symbol has become a part of the party's political journey and I am happy that it has now been officially recognised." He thanked the people of Tamil Nadu and party workers.
On September 10 — the same day as the EC recognition — the TVK-led coalition was officially named the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance. TVK minister and General Secretary Arunraj explained the name: "The name sends a message that this front will fight communal forces in Tamil Nadu and across the country."
IUML leader Khader Mohideen welcomed the naming, saying TVK had created history by forming a coalition government and that the alliance would go a long way. The alliance banner — under which TVK fields its by-election candidates — is now both a political and electoral identity.
| Event | Date | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| ECI communication recognising TVK | September 9, 2026 | Formal legal recognition as state party in TN and Puducherry |
| ECI public announcement / TVK announcement | September 10, 2026 | Vijay responds, party celebrates |
| Alliance named: Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance | September 10, 2026 | Formal coalition identity confirmed ahead of by-elections |
| By-election candidates announced under alliance banner | September 10–14, 2026 | Madurantakam: Maragatham Kumaravel; Dharapuram: P. Sathyabama |