The Congress has decided to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu to form a secular government, people familiar with the matter said.
The TVK, led by actor C Joseph Vijay, won 108 seats in the 234-member house and needs 10 more to cross the half-way mark.
The Congress won five seats, and its support will take the TVK's tally to 113. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) has also indicated that it would extend "creative and critical appreciation" for the next government.
The CPI and IUML, which have two seats each, are also expected to support the TVK, taking it safely over the half-way mark.
Vijay is likely to meet Tamil Nadu Governor in-charge Rajendra Arlekar at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday to discuss the swearing-in ceremony and cabinet formation.
The swearing-in ceremony could take place on May 7, according to TVK leaders.
