TAMIL NADU, (India): In a political moment set to redefine Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay took oath as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday (May 10), marking the rise of a new political force in the state. With his oath-taking, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay becomes the first leader outside the DMK and AIADMK camps to assume power in Tamil Nadu since 1967, ending nearly six decades of two-party dominance.
Vijay’s party secured 118 seats in the Assembly elections. The party also received support from alliance partners, including the Congress, which won 5 seats, along with the Communist Party of India (2), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (2), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (2), and the Indian Union Muslim League (2).
The swearing-in ceremony in Chennai witnessed the presence of several political leaders and film personalities. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi attended the event alongside senior alliance leaders and thousands of supporters who gathered to witness the historic occasion.
Actress Trisha Krishnan described the day as a “big day for Tamil Nadu” while arriving for the ceremony. Vijay’s mother, Sobha, expressed her happiness as her son took charge of the state. “I am so happy. It is Mother’s Day today, I am very happy,” she said.
Popularly known as “Thalapathy” among his fans, Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics has drawn comparisons with legendary actor-politician M. G. Ramachandran. His massive turnout at campaign rallies and strong youth appeal echoed the political charisma once associated with MGR. Political observers also viewed his emergence as the most significant actor-led political breakthrough in the state since Vijayakanth.
Though Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam was formally launched in 2024, Vijay had long maintained a public image rooted in social causes and political commentary through his films. Themes such as corruption, drug abuse, and governance frequently featured in his movies, fuelling speculation about his political ambitions for over a decade. His involvement in welfare activities and outreach programmes further strengthened his connect with the public ahead of his political debut.
With Vijay now at the helm, Tamil Nadu enters a new political chapter shaped by a fresh power centre beyond the traditional Dravidian rivals that dominated the state for generations.
Marking the beginning of a new political era in Tamil Nadu, nine Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLAs were also sworn in as ministers on Sunday alongside party chief Vijay, who took oath as the state’s new Chief Minister at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
The swearing-in marked the formation of TVK’s first-ever government and the beginning of a new political chapter in the state.
The maiden cabinet of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam reflects a blend of young faces and experienced leaders. Those inducted into the cabinet are N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KA Sengottaiyan, KG Anuraj, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, TK Prabhu, and S Keerthana.
The oath-taking ceremony drew large crowds, senior political leaders, film personalities, and party supporters from across the state. Vijay, popularly known as “Thalapathy,” led TVK to a historic electoral victory that ended nearly six decades of political dominance by the DMK and AIADMK formations in Tamil Nadu.
TVK secured 118 seats in the Assembly elections. The party also received support from alliance partners, including the Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and the Indian Union Muslim League.
Following the election results, Vijay submitted letters of support from the alliance parties to the Governor, who subsequently invited him to form the government.
Emotions ran high during the ceremony as Vijay’s parents celebrated the occasion. His mother, Sobha, expressed her happiness and said the day held special significance as it coincided with Mother’s Day.
With the swearing-in of the new cabinet, TVK formally assumed power in Tamil Nadu, signalling the arrival of a fresh political force in the state’s leadership. - The Statesman/ANN
