Sridhar Vembu, Zoho’s co-founder and chief scientist, sparked an online political controversy after he suggested that Tamil Nadu should go for fresh elections after the fractured governance in the 2026 Assembly elections.
In a post on website He follows Live updates on Tamil Nadu government formation.
He went further, calling for President’s rule and re-election in the state.
“President’s rule with fresh elections may be the best course, this time with a very strict application of the ‘no money for votes’ principle. Then we will see who has the real mandate. I think Vijay will come back with a landslide, and if the DMK-AIADMK wants to stop this, let them fight together,” he wrote.
Vembu also said that the BJP should contest independently in Tamil Nadu, even if it fails to win seats.
“The BJP must fight alone, even if it results in no seats. It is time for a fresh start for the BJP in TN. Let the people decide again,” he added.
The statement came at a time when actor-turned-politician Vijay broke the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK to emerge as the single largest party. TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, 10 seats short of the majority mark. The party currently has the support of the five representatives in Congress, although no other party has publicly offered support yet.
Vembo’s comments sparked sharp reactions online
Vembo’s call for re-election quickly sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many users questioning the practicality and democratic basis of the proposal.
“This is a stupid proposal and a waste of taxpayers’ money. According to established practice, the governor should invite the single largest party, which by the way is within striking distance of a majority, to form the government and prove a majority in the House of Representatives,” one user said.
Another user described the idea as “weird and anti-democratic”, writing: “This is a really strange and anti-democratic idea at the expense of public money. Then we end up having to repeat the elections in many states until someone gets a majority.”
However, another user supported Vembu’s view and wrote: “You are 100% right Vembu sir. Re-election will take place, TVK will win majority of seats. BJP should not form an alliance with any party again.”
Another post questioned the financial burden of another election.
“Your solution to this is to spend another 620 kroner (from 2021 numbers, probably closer to 800 kroner for this cycle) on another state election and have a completely undemocratic solution until that tentative date comes? And then if we get a hung chamber again, rinse and repeat?” User wrote.
The governor has not received a call yet
Meanwhile, uncertainty persists regarding the formation of the government in the state.
Officials at Lok Bhavan noted that no official decision has been taken yet on inviting Vijay to form the government or on the timing of the oath-taking ceremony. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlikar was also seeking a legal opinion on the matter, they added.
Vijay arrived at Lok Bhavan on Thursday to meet the Governor. He had provided a list of names of TVK and Congress lawmakers who pledged support the day before, according to Tamil Nadu Congress leaders who spoke on condition of anonymity.
However, Lok Bhavan has not officially responded to queries on why Vijay has not yet been invited to form the government.
“The governor wants to ensure that Vijay has the support of a majority of MLAs,” said an official requesting anonymity.
