CM Vijay Forms Cabinet: Home, Police for CM; 9 Ministers Appointed

On May 10, 2026, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, popularly known as 'Thalapathy' Vijay, was sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, leading a 10-member cabinet. This significant political development followed the victory of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, administered by Governor Rajendra Arlekar. Chief Minister Vijay has taken charge of crucial portfolios, including Home, Police, Public Administration, General Administration, District Revenue Officers, Special Initiatives, Special Programme Implementation, and Welfare of Differently Abled Persons. This allocation places key administrative control directly under the new Chief Minister. The formation of this government by TVK represents a historic departure from the decades-long dominance of the Dravidian parties, DMK and AIADMK, in Tamil Nadu politics, marking the first time since 1967 that a non-Dravidian party has led the state government. The new cabinet comprises nine other ministers alongside Chief Minister Vijay. Among the prominent figures inducted into the cabinet are N. Anand, a long-time aide and General Secretary of TVK, who is considered the party's second-in-command. Other key ministers include Aadhav Arjuna, a political strategist and sports administrator, and Dr. K. G. Arunraj, a former Indian Revenue Service officer and medical doctor, bringing administrative and policy expertise to the cabinet. Veteran politician K. A. Sengottaiyan, who previously served under former Chief Ministers J. Jayalalithaa and Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has also been inducted into Vijay's cabinet. While the specific allocation for Sengottaiyan was not detailed in all primary sources, related reports strongly indicate he has been entrusted with the crucial Finance portfolio. Other ministers include P. Venkataramanan, C. T. R. Nirmal Kumar, A. Rajmohan, Dr. T. K. Prabhu, and S. Keerthana. S. Keerthana is notably the only woman in the cabinet and one of its youngest members. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, founded by C. Joseph Vijay on February 2, 2024, emerged as the single-largest party in the 2026 assembly elections, securing 108 out of 234 seats. To reach the majority mark, TVK formed a coalition government with the Indian National Congress, which won five seats, and garnered outside support from parties like the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). This broad support enabled the TVK to confidently form the government and prove its majority in the Assembly on May 13, 2026. The election campaign saw Vijay actively engaging with the public, with his party focusing on ideologies rooted in egalitarianism, secularism, and social justice. His political entry and subsequent electoral success have been closely watched, marking a significant transition from his superstar image to a political leader. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chief Minister Vijay, reaffirming the central government's commitment to collaborate for Tamil Nadu's welfare and development. This new government is expected to usher in a new political phase in Tamil Nadu, driven by youth support and coalition politics.

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