Chennai: Actor turned politician and TVK founder C Joseph Vijay took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at a grand ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar administered the oath of office in the presence of senior political leaders, alliance partners, celebrities, party workers and thousands of supporters.
The event marked one of the most dramatic political moments in Tamil Nadu in recent decades, with massive crowds gathering both inside and outside the venue.
End of decades-long DMK-AIADMK dominance
Vijay's swearing-in marks the first time since 1967 that a government outside the DMK and AIADMK political formations has taken power in Tamil Nadu.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party in the 2026 Assembly elections with 108 seats.
The party later secured support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML, helping Vijay cross the majority mark required to form the government.
Political observers described the development as a major turning point in the state's political history.
Along with Vijay, nine ministers also took oath as part of the first TVK-led Cabinet.
The ministers include N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr T.K. Prabhu and Selvi S. Keerthana.
The Governor had approved the Cabinet recommendations ahead of the ceremony.
Portfolio allocations are expected to be announced separately.
National leaders and alliance partners attend event
Several prominent political leaders attended the ceremony in Chennai, including Rahul Gandhi and leaders from alliance parties supporting the TVK government.
The swearing-in ceremony received nationwide attention because of Vijay's popularity as a film star and his rapid political rise.
Supporters gathered in large numbers across Chennai, waving party flags, bursting crackers and celebrating the beginning of what many called a "new political era" in Tamil Nadu.
From cinema superstar to Chief Minister
Popularly known as "Thalapathy," Vijay spent decades as one of Tamil cinema's biggest stars before formally launching his political party in 2024.
His campaign focused on governance, anti-corruption measures, social justice and presenting an alternative to the traditional Dravidian political structure.
His public meetings and election rallies drew huge crowds throughout the campaign, helping TVK emerge as a major political force within a short period.
Majority test next in Assembly
Governor Rajendra Arlekar has directed Vijay to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly on or before May 13.
Vijay, who won from both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies, is also expected to resign from one seat as required under election rules.
With the oath ceremony completed, the new government is now expected to begin administrative and Cabinet-level decisions immediately.