Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder C. Joseph Vijay took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, ending decades of dominance by the DMK-AIADMK political axis in the state. Alongside Vijay, senior TVK leaders P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr T.K. Prabhu, N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan and S. Keerthana were sworn in as ministers by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
The swearing-in followed days of political negotiations after the Assembly election produced a fractured mandate, with TVK eventually securing the backing of 120 MLAs – two above the majority mark. In his first speech as Chief Minister, Vijay promised a “new era of real, secular and social justice”, while national leaders, alliance partners and opposition parties closely watched the transition of power.
Historic Swearing-In Marks Political Shift
Thousands of supporters gathered across Chennai on Sunday as Vijay formally assumed office, with giant LED screens installed in several public areas to broadcast the ceremony live. The oath-taking event was attended by political leaders, alliance representatives, film personalities and members of Vijay’s family, including filmmaker S.A. Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also present at the venue, underlining the broader opposition support that helped TVK cross the majority threshold.
The nine-member cabinet inducted alongside Vijay includes P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr T.K. Prabhu, N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan and S. Keerthana. According to official communications from Raj Bhavan, Governor Arlekar approved Vijay’s recommendation for the cabinet shortly before the ceremony.
Soon after taking charge, Vijay signed his first set of official files, including measures related to free electricity support for domestic consumers and the creation of a special women’s safety unit, according to media reports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay and said the Centre would continue working with the Tamil Nadu government for the welfare of people in the state.
From Cinema Icon To Chief Minister
Vijay’s rise to the Chief Minister’s office marks one of the most dramatic political transitions in recent Tamil Nadu history. His party, TVK, emerged as the single largest formation in the Assembly elections with 108 seats, falling short of the halfway mark of 118. Over the following days, the actor-politician engaged in intense negotiations with smaller parties and independents before securing the external support necessary to form the government. Political analysts have described the development as the first major disruption to the state’s traditional Dravidian political order since 1967.
The transition, however, was not without controversy. Opposition leaders questioned the new administration’s ability to deliver stable governance, while Congress leaders alleged that there had been delays in inviting Vijay to form the government. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan remarked that the focus would now shift from electoral excitement to governance performance, stating that the public would judge the government based on how it fulfilled its promises.
In his first address after taking oath, Vijay attempted to reassure both supporters and critics by emphasising inclusive governance. Declaring that there would be “no power centres” other than the people of Tamil Nadu, he said his administration would prioritise transparency, secular values and social welfare. Trade and industry bodies have also urged the new government to focus on employment generation, agriculture, MSME growth and anti-corruption measures amid growing expectations from voters seeking political change.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The peaceful democratic transition witnessed in Tamil Nadu reflects the evolving aspirations of voters who are increasingly open to alternative political leadership beyond traditional party structures. Vijay’s emergence from cinema into governance highlights the deep relationship between public culture and politics in southern India, but it also places enormous responsibility on the new administration to move beyond symbolism and deliver meaningful governance rooted in equity, accountability and public welfare.
At a time when political discourse across India is often marked by polarisation, the emphasis on secularism, social justice and inclusive governance in Vijay’s first speech offers an opportunity to rebuild trust through dialogue and democratic participation. However, sustainable change will depend not on celebrity appeal, but on policy execution, institutional transparency and the ability to address the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens. Can new-age political movements transform public hope into long-term, people-first governance while preserving democratic harmony and accountability?
Also Read: Tamil Nadu: Vijay Takes Oath As CM, Promises “Real, Secular, Social Justice” In First Address
TVK leaders P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, and Dr TK. Prabhu take oath as Ministers for the state of Tamil Nadu. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday (May 10, 2026).https://t.co/rRZmKHrhqf pic.twitter.com/SEnWoTCcNz
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) May 10, 2026
TVK MLAs Rajmohan, TK Prabhu, S Keerthana take oath as ministers in CM C Joseph Vijay's cabinet. pic.twitter.com/AE5MMNf4gw
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) May 10, 2026
