C. Joseph Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

C. Joseph Vijay, a prominent actor-turned-politician, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. This historic event marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, ending the decades-long dominance of Dravidian parties like the DMK and AIADMK, which had held power since 1967. Vijay's party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing 108 out of 234 seats. However, falling short of the majority mark, TVK successfully formed a coalition government with the support of key allies, including the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay and nine other ministers. Vijay's entry into politics was initially met with skepticism, but his party's performance in the 2026 elections defied expectations. TVK's victory is attributed to Vijay's widespread popularity, his welfare-driven promises, and effective grassroots mobilization, particularly among younger voters and women. This electoral success has been described as a 'blockbuster rise' and a 'historic debut' for the actor-turned-politician. The election results also saw the defeat of the incumbent Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of the DMK in the Kolathur constituency, signaling a major upset. Following his swearing-in, Chief Minister Vijay took charge at the Secretariat and immediately signed key files, including a promise of 200 units of free electricity for every family, the establishment of a special unit for women's safety, and a unit to combat drug smuggling. He also addressed the public, appealing for confidence in his government and promising smooth and transparent governance. The political transition is seen as a 'new chapter' for Tamil Nadu, with analysts and observers keenly watching Vijay's leadership. The formation of the government also involved strategic negotiations to secure the required majority in the hung assembly. Governor Arlekar had directed the Chief Minister-designate to seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly on or before May 13, 2026. The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Rahul Gandhi, Vijay's parents, and several figures from the Tamil film industry. The swearing-in ceremony notably began with the recital of 'Vande Mataram' before the national anthem and the state song, a departure from usual practice that was interpreted by some as a message to the BJP. The new government under Vijay aims to transform Tamil Nadu's economy and focus on social justice and secularism, as outlined in TVK's ideology which is aligned with centre-left principles inspired by Ambedkar, Periyar, and Kamaraj.

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