New Delhi: In a landmark moment for Tamil Nadu politics, actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026. Leading his newly-formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which secured 108 seats in the state Assembly elections, Vijay has formed a coalition government with support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, crossing the majority mark with backing from 120 MLAs. The swearing-in ceremony marked the end of political uncertainty and the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s governance, with Vijay promising a corruption-free administration focused on social justice, secularism, and people’s welfare.
The development comes after TVK’s impressive debut performance, which disrupted the long-standing dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Vijay’s rise has drawn comparisons to legendary film star-politicians like M.G. Ramachandran, who also transitioned from cinema to chief ministership. At 51, the superstar, who has appeared in 69 films and enjoys massive popularity among youth and women, has retired from films to dedicate himself fully to politics.
Government Formation and Majority Support
Following the election results, TVK emerged as the single largest party but fell short of the 118-seat majority in the 234-member Assembly. Vijay and his allies met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar multiple times. On Saturday, with written support from 120 MLAs, the Governor invited Vijay to form the government and asked him to prove majority by May 13.
The coalition includes Congress with five seats and four smaller parties—CPI, CPI(M), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)—each contributing two seats. This alliance provided the necessary numbers for stability. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai under tight security, attended by national and regional leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Vijay recommended a list of nine ministers, which the Governor approved. The ministers sworn in alongside him are:
- N Anand
- Aadhav Arjuna
- Dr K.G. Arunraj
- K A Sengottaiyan
- P Venkataramanan
- R Nirmalkumar
- Rajmohan
- Dr T K Prabhu
- S Keerthana
Congress is expected to join the cabinet in the second phase, as announced by TNCC President K Selvaperunthagai.
TVK leader MV Karuppaiah took oath as pro tem Speaker in the presence of the Governor and Chief Minister Vijay. Later, Vijay resigned from the Trichy East seat and retained Perambur constituency.
Vijay’s Vision: One Power Centre, Corruption-Free Governance
In his maiden address after taking charge, Chief Minister Vijay asserted that there would be only one power centre in his government—himself. “There is only one centre here, the centre under my leadership. A centre on this side, a power centre on that side, another power centre there—none of that exists,” he declared.
Identifying with the common people, Vijay said he was born as the son of an ordinary assistant film director and understood poverty and hunger. “I do not hail from any royal lineage. I am like you and I am like one among you, one among your family,” he emphasized.
He pledged strong action on key issues: controlling drug abuse to protect youngsters, ensuring law and order, and guaranteeing safety for all. Vijay announced immediate steps through government orders and schemes aligned with his poll promises. These include:
- Providing 200 free units of electricity to domestic consumers using more than 500 units per two-month billing cycle.
- Establishing a ‘Singa Pen Special Action Force’ for women’s safety with adequate personnel and modern facilities across the state.
- Setting up 65 ‘Anti-Narcotic Task Force’ units to curb drug-related crimes.
Vijay also vowed to release white papers on the state’s financial position and conduct complete audits of all departments to bring transparency. He stressed priorities like education, infrastructure, roads, drinking water, and essential services, promising not to touch even a single paisa of public money.
Newly inducted ministers echoed these sentiments. Minister Aadhav Arjuna called it a “people’s victory” and Tamil Nadu women and youth’s victory, promising transparent governance, social justice, and secularism. Minister R. Nirmalkumar highlighted the need to expose how the state was “looted for several years.” Minister Selvi S. Keerthana expressed confidence that this government would last 35-50 years as the longest-serving administration. Other ministers like P. Venkataramanan, KG Arunraj, and T Selvam reiterated commitment to fulfilling promises and setting new benchmarks in governance.
DMK’s Response: Constructive Opposition with Udhayanidhi Stalin as Leader
Former Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin welcomed the alliance partners’ decision to support TVK for government formation while continuing in the DMK-led secular progressive alliance on policy grounds. He assured that DMK would not obstruct the new government and would function as a “constructive opposition party.”
The DMK elected former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin as the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. Senior leader K N Nehru was chosen as deputy legislature party leader, and E V Velu as the party whip.
Stalin also engaged in a public exchange with the new CM on the state’s finances. After Vijay mentioned inheriting a Rs 10 lakh crore debt, Stalin posted on X emphasizing that the debt was within permitted limits, as explained in the February budget. He urged the new government not to deceive voters and to focus on fulfilling promises with the necessary will and governance ability.
Reactions from National and Regional Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay over a phone call and posted on X: “Congratulations to Thiru C. Joseph Vijay on taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Best wishes for his tenure ahead. The Central Government will keep working with the Tamil Nadu Government to improve the lives of people.”
Several other leaders extended greetings. West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee congratulated TVK on its victory and wished Vijay success, noting the verdict reflected the aspirations of Tamil Nadu’s people. BJD chief Naveen Patnaik wished the state new heights of development. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan congratulated his “brother” Vijay, hoping Tamil Nadu would shine under his leadership.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia criticized Congress for its support to TVK, calling it power-hungry. PM Modi, at a rally in Bengaluru, labeled Congress a “parasitic party” that betrays allies, citing the Tamil Nadu developments.
Key Actions on Day One
On his first day, CM Vijay chaired a review meeting on the law and order situation. He paid tribute to Periyar at the Periyar memorial on Salai Road in Chennai. He also took charge at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and received a Guard of Honour.
Congress leader Gulam Ahmad Mir described the development as a victory for democracy, where like-minded parties united against attempts to create issues.
Stalin vs Vijay on TN Debt and Governance Challenges
The debt discussion highlighted early tensions. Vijay’s government aims to address inherited financial challenges through transparency measures like white papers. Stalin defended the previous government’s fiscal management, setting the stage for a robust opposition role under Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Historic Significance and Public Sentiment
Vijay’s ascent is being hailed as historic. His party defied expectations by demolishing the regional duopoly in Tamil Nadu politics. Supporters celebrate it as a win for youth, women, and aspirational governance. Film producer Pyramid Natarajan expressed confidence that Vijay would deliver a corruption-free government. TVK MLA M. Sathya Kumar from Tiruttani praised the CM’s vision for setting governance benchmarks.
The event attracted massive attention, with fans and supporters rejoicing. The presence of film personalities and industrialists at the ceremony underscored Vijay’s wide appeal.
As the new government settles in, all eyes are on how CM Vijay translates his promises into action. With commitments to electricity relief, women’s safety, anti-narcotics drive, transparency, and welfare, the TVK-led coalition faces high expectations. The coming days, including the floor test on May 13, will be crucial in establishing long-term stability.
This new era in Tamil Nadu politics brings together a popular leader with no prior political experience but immense public connect, backed by a diverse alliance. Whether it delivers “real secular social justice” as Vijay described, or faces challenges from a vigilant DMK opposition, remains to be seen. For now, Tamil Nadu celebrates a fresh beginning under Thalapathy Vijay’s leadership.
FAQs
1. Who is the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 2026?
C Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief led his party to win 108 seats in its debut Assembly elections and formed a coalition government with support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, securing backing from 120 MLAs.
2. What is the strength of Vijay’s coalition government in Tamil Nadu Assembly?
TVK has 108 seats while the coalition has the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. This includes five seats from Congress and two seats each from CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML. The Governor has asked the new government to prove its majority by May 13.
3. Who are the nine ministers sworn in with CM Vijay?
The nine ministers who took oath along with Chief Minister Vijay are:
- N Anand
- Aadhav Arjuna
- Dr K.G. Arunraj
- K A Sengottaiyan
- P Venkataramanan
- R Nirmalkumar
- Rajmohan
- Dr T K Prabhu
- S Keerthana
Congress is expected to join the cabinet in the second phase of expansion.
4. What are the major schemes announced by CM Vijay on Day One?
CM Vijay immediately implemented key poll promises through government orders:
- 200 free electricity units for domestic consumers using more than 500 units per two-month billing cycle.
- Formation of ‘Singa Pen Special Action Force’ for women’s safety across the state.
- Setting up of 65 ‘Anti-Narcotic Task Force’ units to fight drug abuse.
He also promised white papers on state finances and complete departmental audits for transparency.
5. What did MK Stalin and DMK say about the new Vijay government?
Former CM MK Stalin welcomed the alliance support for TVK to form the government but said DMK would remain in the secular progressive alliance and function as a constructive opposition. DMK has elected Udhayanidhi Stalin as Leader of Opposition. Stalin also countered CM Vijay’s statement on the state’s Rs 10 lakh crore debt, asserting that Tamil Nadu’s debt is within permitted limits.
