Tamil Nadu CM oath ceremony highlights: M. K. Stalin hits back at Vijay
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Tamil Nadu CM oath ceremony highlights: M. K. Stalin hits back at Vijay")
Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu CM
Vijay is set to take oath in Tamil Nadu, marking a major political milestone for the actor-turned-politician. Supporters of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, are celebrating the anticipated swearing-in as a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
After days of political chaos and hectic parleys, Tamil Nadu has got a new government, with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay taking oath as chief minister on Sunday at 10 am at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium. Vijay’s elevation is being seen as a historic political shift, as he becomes the first Tamil Nadu chief minister since 1967 to come from outside the DMK-AIADMK political duopoly. The actor-turned-politician who debuted this election season, scripted a grand victory as his party became the single largest in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026. However, TVK fell short of majority in the 234-member Assembly, paving way for four days of intense drama.
Finally, TVK will form the government after receiving support from several parties. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar formally invited Vijay to form the government after he submitted letters of support from allied and backing parties. The Governor has also directed the chief minister-designate to prove his majority on the Assembly floor by May 13, 2026.
Which parties supported Vijay?
TVK managed to gather the support of 120 MLAs, crossing the required 118-seat majority threshold. The Congress played a crucial role after ending its long-standing alliance with the DMK and extending support to Vijay’s party. Support also came from the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). While these parties backed TVK to help it form the government, several of them clarified that they would remain outside the alliance formally. Vijay held multiple rounds of meetings with Governor Arlekar over four days before finally presenting consolidated letters of support that convinced the Raj Bhavan.
Celebrities, including Kamal Haasan and R. Madhavan, congratulated actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay as he became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and called it a “historic win”.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Vijay, President of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on assuming office as the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
I also welcome the announcements you have signed immediately after taking office.
Please do not begin by saying that the government has no money. The funds are there. What is needed is the willingness to serve the people and the administrative capability to do so.
For the past five years, we faced and managed several challenges such as COVID-19, floods, and the discriminatory treatment by the Union BJP government, yet we successfully implemented countless welfare schemes for the people.
In your very first address, you stated that “the previous government left behind a debt of ₹10 lakh crore and emptied the treasury.” However, Tamil Nadu’s debt level remains within the permitted limit.
We had already clearly explained the financial status of the Tamil Nadu government in the budget presented last February. Were you not aware of it? It was only after that you made several promises to the people. Please do not mislead and divert the people who voted for you.
You came to power saying, “I will make only promises that are practically achievable.” You are now just stepping into the administration of the government. I believe that very soon, like us, you too will learn the complexities of how to fulfill the promises made to the people. Along with the voters, I too expect that.
Once again, my wishes for Tamil Nadu’s journey of development to continue under your leadership."
1. 200 units of free power supply
2. Special task force to tackle drugs
3. Special task force to ensure women's safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "...Just look at the situation in Tamil Nadu right now. For twenty-five to thirty years, the Congress shared a close relationship with the DMK. Time and again, the alliance with the DMK pulled the Congress out of crises; indeed, the government it led for ten years before 2014 survived largely because of the DMK. Yet, the very DMK that consistently worked for the betterment of the Congress was betrayed the moment the political winds shifted. Driven by its lust for power, the power-hungry Congress stabbed the DMK in the back at the very first opportunity. Now, Congress requires yet another party, one on whose back it can ride, to remain politically relevant..."
The ministers who took oath with Vijay are N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr T.K. Prabhu and S. Keerthana
Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu CM
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
TVK Chief C Joseph Vijay receives Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Tamil Nadu Governor Arlekar approves recommendation of CM-designate Vijay on appointment of 9 ministers. TVK seniors N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K A Sengottaiyan, S Keerthana among 9 ministers approved by TN Guv: Lok Bhavan.
DMK spokesperson A Sarvanan said that former Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin persuaded allies to join hands with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). "Congratulations to the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Vijay. He has been able to become the chief minister with the help of DMK allies. Our leader MK Stalin does not want a constitutional crisis and he persuaded allies (to join hands with the TVK) after extensive consultations," Sarvanan added.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said it remains to be seen how the new government functions and fulfils its promises under TVK chief Vijay. Speaking to ANI, Elangovan referred to the delay in government formation and said Vijay had managed to secure majority support after a week of political developments. "Earlier, it was said he would take the oath in the evening, but now it's in the morning. After a week, he managed to secure a majority and is taking the oath. How he runs the government and fulfils promises remains to be seen. We'll see how he runs the state," Elangovan said.
CPI(M) Politburo member says, "We are very happy as a secular government is being formed in the state...The government will function in the best interests of the public..."
1. N. Anand
2. Aadhav Arjuna
3. Dr. K.G. Arunraj,
4. K.A. Sengottaiyan
5. P. Venkataramanan
6. R. Nirmalkumar
7. Rajmohan
8. Dr TK. Prabhu
9. Selvi S. Keerthana
Vijay embraced Dravidian politics while pitching himself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties. On October 28, 2024, in what is regarded as his first political speech, Vijay called Periyar his ideological leader, while noting that the party will not adopt his atheism. He also referred to CN Annadurai, K Kamaraj and Babasaheb BR Ambedkar as the party's leaders for the idea of social justice. He has also embraced his Christian identity while being outspoken about secular politics.
Vijay's mother Shoba Chandrasekhar expressed happiness and called the day special as it coincides with Mother’s Day. “I am so happy. It is Mother's Day today, I am very happy...” she said while talking to news agency ANI
Vijay’s father, filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar, said the family was looking forward to the event. “We are happily going for the function. I feel very happy,” he said while talking to PTI. Vijay’s sisters also expressed happiness over the moment and said they had complete faith in him as he steps into the state’s top political post. A relative of the TVK chief thanked people for their support and described the public response as overwhelming. “We are very happy and very humbled. The love from the people of the state is so overwhelming. Thank you so much for the support. This is for his commitment and perseverance, and the love he had for the people,” the relative said.
Congress extended support to Vijay's TVK breaking its pre-poll alliance with DMK, inviting Stalin's party's ire. As a condition, Congress said that TVK should not ally with “any communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India.” It said, “The Indian National Congress stands for, and is the founding political party for, secular, progressive and welfarist politics in India. It is our constitutional duty to respect, uphold and help fulfil this mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu. This alliance between the TVK and the Tamil Nadu Congress will strive to bring back Perunthalaivar Kamaraj's glory days of Tamil Nadu, with a strong commitment to Thanthai Periyar's social justice ideals and Dr. BR Ambedkar's constitutional ideals in the years and decades to come."
While Congress was quick to support TVK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan said that it will not latch on to the offer by Vijay and wait for consultations with the left parties. He reportedly kept 4 conditions including a promise of deputy CM post for his party member and a Rajya Sabha seat for himself
In Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has secured a decisive victory with 108 seats, emerging as the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly. The DMK finishes second with 59 seats, while AIADMK comes third with 47 seats. Though, a clear mandate in favour of TVK, it falls short of an absolute majority on its own, making post-poll alliances crucial to forming the government. Among other parties, Congress wins 5 seats, followed by PMK with 4 seats. IUML, CPI, VCK, and CPI(M) secure 2 seats each. Meanwhile, BJP, DMDK, and AMMK manage 1 seat each.
After days of political chaos and hectic parleys, Tamil Nadu has got a new government, with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay taking oath as chief minister on Sunday at 10 am at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium. Vijay’s elevation is being seen as a historic political shift, as he becomes the first Tamil Nadu chief minister since 1967 to come from outside the DMK-AIADMK political duopoly. The actor-turned-politician who debuted this election season, scripted a grand victory as his party became the single largest in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026. However, TVK fell short of majority in the 234-member Assembly, paving way for four days of intense drama.
Finally, TVK will form the government after receiving support from several parties. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar formally invited Vijay to form the government after he submitted letters of support from allied and backing parties. The Governor has also directed the chief minister-designate to prove his majority on the Assembly floor by May 13, 2026.
Which parties supported Vijay?
TVK managed to gather the support of 120 MLAs, crossing the required 118-seat majority threshold. The Congress played a crucial role after ending its long-standing alliance with the DMK and extending support to Vijay’s party. Support also came from the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). While these parties backed TVK to help it form the government, several of them clarified that they would remain outside the alliance formally. Vijay held multiple rounds of meetings with Governor Arlekar over four days before finally presenting consolidated letters of support that convinced the Raj Bhavan.
Celebrities, including Kamal Haasan and R. Madhavan, congratulated actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay as he became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and called it a “historic win”.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Vijay, President of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on assuming office as the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
I also welcome the announcements you have signed immediately after taking office.
Please do not begin by saying that the government has no money. The funds are there. What is needed is the willingness to serve the people and the administrative capability to do so.
For the past five years, we faced and managed several challenges such as COVID-19, floods, and the discriminatory treatment by the Union BJP government, yet we successfully implemented countless welfare schemes for the people.
In your very first address, you stated that “the previous government left behind a debt of ₹10 lakh crore and emptied the treasury.” However, Tamil Nadu’s debt level remains within the permitted limit.
We had already clearly explained the financial status of the Tamil Nadu government in the budget presented last February. Were you not aware of it? It was only after that you made several promises to the people. Please do not mislead and divert the people who voted for you.
You came to power saying, “I will make only promises that are practically achievable.” You are now just stepping into the administration of the government. I believe that very soon, like us, you too will learn the complexities of how to fulfill the promises made to the people. Along with the voters, I too expect that.
Once again, my wishes for Tamil Nadu’s journey of development to continue under your leadership."
1. 200 units of free power supply
2. Special task force to tackle drugs
3. Special task force to ensure women's safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "...Just look at the situation in Tamil Nadu right now. For twenty-five to thirty years, the Congress shared a close relationship with the DMK. Time and again, the alliance with the DMK pulled the Congress out of crises; indeed, the government it led for ten years before 2014 survived largely because of the DMK. Yet, the very DMK that consistently worked for the betterment of the Congress was betrayed the moment the political winds shifted. Driven by its lust for power, the power-hungry Congress stabbed the DMK in the back at the very first opportunity. Now, Congress requires yet another party, one on whose back it can ride, to remain politically relevant..."
The ministers who took oath with Vijay are N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr T.K. Prabhu and S. Keerthana
Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu CM
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
TVK Chief C Joseph Vijay receives Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Tamil Nadu Governor Arlekar approves recommendation of CM-designate Vijay on appointment of 9 ministers. TVK seniors N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K A Sengottaiyan, S Keerthana among 9 ministers approved by TN Guv: Lok Bhavan.
DMK spokesperson A Sarvanan said that former Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin persuaded allies to join hands with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). "Congratulations to the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Vijay. He has been able to become the chief minister with the help of DMK allies. Our leader MK Stalin does not want a constitutional crisis and he persuaded allies (to join hands with the TVK) after extensive consultations," Sarvanan added.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said it remains to be seen how the new government functions and fulfils its promises under TVK chief Vijay. Speaking to ANI, Elangovan referred to the delay in government formation and said Vijay had managed to secure majority support after a week of political developments. "Earlier, it was said he would take the oath in the evening, but now it's in the morning. After a week, he managed to secure a majority and is taking the oath. How he runs the government and fulfils promises remains to be seen. We'll see how he runs the state," Elangovan said.
CPI(M) Politburo member says, "We are very happy as a secular government is being formed in the state...The government will function in the best interests of the public..."
1. N. Anand
2. Aadhav Arjuna
3. Dr. K.G. Arunraj,
4. K.A. Sengottaiyan
5. P. Venkataramanan
6. R. Nirmalkumar
7. Rajmohan
8. Dr TK. Prabhu
9. Selvi S. Keerthana
Vijay embraced Dravidian politics while pitching himself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties. On October 28, 2024, in what is regarded as his first political speech, Vijay called Periyar his ideological leader, while noting that the party will not adopt his atheism. He also referred to CN Annadurai, K Kamaraj and Babasaheb BR Ambedkar as the party's leaders for the idea of social justice. He has also embraced his Christian identity while being outspoken about secular politics.
Vijay's mother Shoba Chandrasekhar expressed happiness and called the day special as it coincides with Mother’s Day. “I am so happy. It is Mother's Day today, I am very happy...” she said while talking to news agency ANI
Vijay’s father, filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar, said the family was looking forward to the event. “We are happily going for the function. I feel very happy,” he said while talking to PTI. Vijay’s sisters also expressed happiness over the moment and said they had complete faith in him as he steps into the state’s top political post. A relative of the TVK chief thanked people for their support and described the public response as overwhelming. “We are very happy and very humbled. The love from the people of the state is so overwhelming. Thank you so much for the support. This is for his commitment and perseverance, and the love he had for the people,” the relative said.
Congress extended support to Vijay's TVK breaking its pre-poll alliance with DMK, inviting Stalin's party's ire. As a condition, Congress said that TVK should not ally with “any communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India.” It said, “The Indian National Congress stands for, and is the founding political party for, secular, progressive and welfarist politics in India. It is our constitutional duty to respect, uphold and help fulfil this mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu. This alliance between the TVK and the Tamil Nadu Congress will strive to bring back Perunthalaivar Kamaraj's glory days of Tamil Nadu, with a strong commitment to Thanthai Periyar's social justice ideals and Dr. BR Ambedkar's constitutional ideals in the years and decades to come."
While Congress was quick to support TVK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan said that it will not latch on to the offer by Vijay and wait for consultations with the left parties. He reportedly kept 4 conditions including a promise of deputy CM post for his party member and a Rajya Sabha seat for himself
In Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has secured a decisive victory with 108 seats, emerging as the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly. The DMK finishes second with 59 seats, while AIADMK comes third with 47 seats. Though, a clear mandate in favour of TVK, it falls short of an absolute majority on its own, making post-poll alliances crucial to forming the government. Among other parties, Congress wins 5 seats, followed by PMK with 4 seats. IUML, CPI, VCK, and CPI(M) secure 2 seats each. Meanwhile, BJP, DMDK, and AMMK manage 1 seat each.
After days of political chaos and hectic parleys, Tamil Nadu has got a new government, with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay taking oath as chief minister on Sunday at 10 am at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium. Vijay’s elevation is being seen as a historic political shift, as he becomes the first Tamil Nadu chief minister since 1967 to come from outside the DMK-AIADMK political duopoly. The actor-turned-politician who debuted this election season, scripted a grand victory as his party became the single largest in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026. However, TVK fell short of majority in the 234-member Assembly, paving way for four days of intense drama.
Finally, TVK will form the government after receiving support from several parties. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar formally invited Vijay to form the government after he submitted letters of support from allied and backing parties. The Governor has also directed the chief minister-designate to prove his majority on the Assembly floor by May 13, 2026.
Which parties supported Vijay?
TVK managed to gather the support of 120 MLAs, crossing the required 118-seat majority threshold. The Congress played a crucial role after ending its long-standing alliance with the DMK and extending support to Vijay’s party. Support also came from the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). While these parties backed TVK to help it form the government, several of them clarified that they would remain outside the alliance formally. Vijay held multiple rounds of meetings with Governor Arlekar over four days before finally presenting consolidated letters of support that convinced the Raj Bhavan.
Celebrities, including Kamal Haasan and R. Madhavan, congratulated actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay as he became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and called it a “historic win”.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Vijay, President of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on assuming office as the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
I also welcome the announcements you have signed immediately after taking office.
Please do not begin by saying that the government has no money. The funds are there. What is needed is the willingness to serve the people and the administrative capability to do so.
For the past five years, we faced and managed several challenges such as COVID-19, floods, and the discriminatory treatment by the Union BJP government, yet we successfully implemented countless welfare schemes for the people.
In your very first address, you stated that “the previous government left behind a debt of ₹10 lakh crore and emptied the treasury.” However, Tamil Nadu’s debt level remains within the permitted limit.
We had already clearly explained the financial status of the Tamil Nadu government in the budget presented last February. Were you not aware of it? It was only after that you made several promises to the people. Please do not mislead and divert the people who voted for you.
You came to power saying, “I will make only promises that are practically achievable.” You are now just stepping into the administration of the government. I believe that very soon, like us, you too will learn the complexities of how to fulfill the promises made to the people. Along with the voters, I too expect that.
Once again, my wishes for Tamil Nadu’s journey of development to continue under your leadership."
1. 200 units of free power supply
2. Special task force to tackle drugs
3. Special task force to ensure women's safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "...Just look at the situation in Tamil Nadu right now. For twenty-five to thirty years, the Congress shared a close relationship with the DMK. Time and again, the alliance with the DMK pulled the Congress out of crises; indeed, the government it led for ten years before 2014 survived largely because of the DMK. Yet, the very DMK that consistently worked for the betterment of the Congress was betrayed the moment the political winds shifted. Driven by its lust for power, the power-hungry Congress stabbed the DMK in the back at the very first opportunity. Now, Congress requires yet another party, one on whose back it can ride, to remain politically relevant..."
The ministers who took oath with Vijay are N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr T.K. Prabhu and S. Keerthana
Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu CM
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
TVK Chief C Joseph Vijay receives Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Tamil Nadu Governor Arlekar approves recommendation of CM-designate Vijay on appointment of 9 ministers. TVK seniors N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K A Sengottaiyan, S Keerthana among 9 ministers approved by TN Guv: Lok Bhavan.
DMK spokesperson A Sarvanan said that former Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin persuaded allies to join hands with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). "Congratulations to the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Vijay. He has been able to become the chief minister with the help of DMK allies. Our leader MK Stalin does not want a constitutional crisis and he persuaded allies (to join hands with the TVK) after extensive consultations," Sarvanan added.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said it remains to be seen how the new government functions and fulfils its promises under TVK chief Vijay. Speaking to ANI, Elangovan referred to the delay in government formation and said Vijay had managed to secure majority support after a week of political developments. "Earlier, it was said he would take the oath in the evening, but now it's in the morning. After a week, he managed to secure a majority and is taking the oath. How he runs the government and fulfils promises remains to be seen. We'll see how he runs the state," Elangovan said.
CPI(M) Politburo member says, "We are very happy as a secular government is being formed in the state...The government will function in the best interests of the public..."
1. N. Anand
2. Aadhav Arjuna
3. Dr. K.G. Arunraj,
4. K.A. Sengottaiyan
5. P. Venkataramanan
6. R. Nirmalkumar
7. Rajmohan
8. Dr TK. Prabhu
9. Selvi S. Keerthana
Vijay embraced Dravidian politics while pitching himself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties. On October 28, 2024, in what is regarded as his first political speech, Vijay called Periyar his ideological leader, while noting that the party will not adopt his atheism. He also referred to CN Annadurai, K Kamaraj and Babasaheb BR Ambedkar as the party's leaders for the idea of social justice. He has also embraced his Christian identity while being outspoken about secular politics.
Vijay's mother Shoba Chandrasekhar expressed happiness and called the day special as it coincides with Mother’s Day. “I am so happy. It is Mother's Day today, I am very happy...” she said while talking to news agency ANI
Vijay’s father, filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar, said the family was looking forward to the event. “We are happily going for the function. I feel very happy,” he said while talking to PTI. Vijay’s sisters also expressed happiness over the moment and said they had complete faith in him as he steps into the state’s top political post. A relative of the TVK chief thanked people for their support and described the public response as overwhelming. “We are very happy and very humbled. The love from the people of the state is so overwhelming. Thank you so much for the support. This is for his commitment and perseverance, and the love he had for the people,” the relative said.
Congress extended support to Vijay's TVK breaking its pre-poll alliance with DMK, inviting Stalin's party's ire. As a condition, Congress said that TVK should not ally with “any communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India.” It said, “The Indian National Congress stands for, and is the founding political party for, secular, progressive and welfarist politics in India. It is our constitutional duty to respect, uphold and help fulfil this mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu. This alliance between the TVK and the Tamil Nadu Congress will strive to bring back Perunthalaivar Kamaraj's glory days of Tamil Nadu, with a strong commitment to Thanthai Periyar's social justice ideals and Dr. BR Ambedkar's constitutional ideals in the years and decades to come."
While Congress was quick to support TVK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan said that it will not latch on to the offer by Vijay and wait for consultations with the left parties. He reportedly kept 4 conditions including a promise of deputy CM post for his party member and a Rajya Sabha seat for himself
In Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has secured a decisive victory with 108 seats, emerging as the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly. The DMK finishes second with 59 seats, while AIADMK comes third with 47 seats. Though, a clear mandate in favour of TVK, it falls short of an absolute majority on its own, making post-poll alliances crucial to forming the government. Among other parties, Congress wins 5 seats, followed by PMK with 4 seats. IUML, CPI, VCK, and CPI(M) secure 2 seats each. Meanwhile, BJP, DMDK, and AMMK manage 1 seat each.
After days of political chaos and hectic parleys, Tamil Nadu has got a new government, with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay taking oath as chief minister on Sunday at 10 am at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium. Vijay’s elevation is being seen as a historic political shift, as he becomes the first Tamil Nadu chief minister since 1967 to come from outside the DMK-AIADMK political duopoly. The actor-turned-politician who debuted this election season, scripted a grand victory as his party became the single largest in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026. However, TVK fell short of majority in the 234-member Assembly, paving way for four days of intense drama.
Finally, TVK will form the government after receiving support from several parties. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar formally invited Vijay to form the government after he submitted letters of support from allied and backing parties. The Governor has also directed the chief minister-designate to prove his majority on the Assembly floor by May 13, 2026.
Which parties supported Vijay?
TVK managed to gather the support of 120 MLAs, crossing the required 118-seat majority threshold. The Congress played a crucial role after ending its long-standing alliance with the DMK and extending support to Vijay’s party. Support also came from the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). While these parties backed TVK to help it form the government, several of them clarified that they would remain outside the alliance formally. Vijay held multiple rounds of meetings with Governor Arlekar over four days before finally presenting consolidated letters of support that convinced the Raj Bhavan.
Celebrities, including Kamal Haasan and R. Madhavan, congratulated actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay as he became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and called it a “historic win”.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Vijay, President of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on assuming office as the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
I also welcome the announcements you have signed immediately after taking office.
Please do not begin by saying that the government has no money. The funds are there. What is needed is the willingness to serve the people and the administrative capability to do so.
For the past five years, we faced and managed several challenges such as COVID-19, floods, and the discriminatory treatment by the Union BJP government, yet we successfully implemented countless welfare schemes for the people.
In your very first address, you stated that “the previous government left behind a debt of ₹10 lakh crore and emptied the treasury.” However, Tamil Nadu’s debt level remains within the permitted limit.
We had already clearly explained the financial status of the Tamil Nadu government in the budget presented last February. Were you not aware of it? It was only after that you made several promises to the people. Please do not mislead and divert the people who voted for you.
You came to power saying, “I will make only promises that are practically achievable.” You are now just stepping into the administration of the government. I believe that very soon, like us, you too will learn the complexities of how to fulfill the promises made to the people. Along with the voters, I too expect that.
Once again, my wishes for Tamil Nadu’s journey of development to continue under your leadership."
1. 200 units of free power supply
2. Special task force to tackle drugs
3. Special task force to ensure women's safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "...Just look at the situation in Tamil Nadu right now. For twenty-five to thirty years, the Congress shared a close relationship with the DMK. Time and again, the alliance with the DMK pulled the Congress out of crises; indeed, the government it led for ten years before 2014 survived largely because of the DMK. Yet, the very DMK that consistently worked for the betterment of the Congress was betrayed the moment the political winds shifted. Driven by its lust for power, the power-hungry Congress stabbed the DMK in the back at the very first opportunity. Now, Congress requires yet another party, one on whose back it can ride, to remain politically relevant..."
The ministers who took oath with Vijay are N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr T.K. Prabhu and S. Keerthana
Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu CM
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
TVK Chief C Joseph Vijay receives Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Tamil Nadu Governor Arlekar approves recommendation of CM-designate Vijay on appointment of 9 ministers. TVK seniors N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K A Sengottaiyan, S Keerthana among 9 ministers approved by TN Guv: Lok Bhavan.
DMK spokesperson A Sarvanan said that former Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin persuaded allies to join hands with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). "Congratulations to the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Vijay. He has been able to become the chief minister with the help of DMK allies. Our leader MK Stalin does not want a constitutional crisis and he persuaded allies (to join hands with the TVK) after extensive consultations," Sarvanan added.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said it remains to be seen how the new government functions and fulfils its promises under TVK chief Vijay. Speaking to ANI, Elangovan referred to the delay in government formation and said Vijay had managed to secure majority support after a week of political developments. "Earlier, it was said he would take the oath in the evening, but now it's in the morning. After a week, he managed to secure a majority and is taking the oath. How he runs the government and fulfils promises remains to be seen. We'll see how he runs the state," Elangovan said.
CPI(M) Politburo member says, "We are very happy as a secular government is being formed in the state...The government will function in the best interests of the public..."
1. N. Anand
2. Aadhav Arjuna
3. Dr. K.G. Arunraj,
4. K.A. Sengottaiyan
5. P. Venkataramanan
6. R. Nirmalkumar
7. Rajmohan
8. Dr TK. Prabhu
9. Selvi S. Keerthana
Vijay embraced Dravidian politics while pitching himself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties. On October 28, 2024, in what is regarded as his first political speech, Vijay called Periyar his ideological leader, while noting that the party will not adopt his atheism. He also referred to CN Annadurai, K Kamaraj and Babasaheb BR Ambedkar as the party's leaders for the idea of social justice. He has also embraced his Christian identity while being outspoken about secular politics.
Vijay's mother Shoba Chandrasekhar expressed happiness and called the day special as it coincides with Mother’s Day. “I am so happy. It is Mother's Day today, I am very happy...” she said while talking to news agency ANI
Vijay’s father, filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar, said the family was looking forward to the event. “We are happily going for the function. I feel very happy,” he said while talking to PTI. Vijay’s sisters also expressed happiness over the moment and said they had complete faith in him as he steps into the state’s top political post. A relative of the TVK chief thanked people for their support and described the public response as overwhelming. “We are very happy and very humbled. The love from the people of the state is so overwhelming. Thank you so much for the support. This is for his commitment and perseverance, and the love he had for the people,” the relative said.
Congress extended support to Vijay's TVK breaking its pre-poll alliance with DMK, inviting Stalin's party's ire. As a condition, Congress said that TVK should not ally with “any communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India.” It said, “The Indian National Congress stands for, and is the founding political party for, secular, progressive and welfarist politics in India. It is our constitutional duty to respect, uphold and help fulfil this mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu. This alliance between the TVK and the Tamil Nadu Congress will strive to bring back Perunthalaivar Kamaraj's glory days of Tamil Nadu, with a strong commitment to Thanthai Periyar's social justice ideals and Dr. BR Ambedkar's constitutional ideals in the years and decades to come."
While Congress was quick to support TVK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan said that it will not latch on to the offer by Vijay and wait for consultations with the left parties. He reportedly kept 4 conditions including a promise of deputy CM post for his party member and a Rajya Sabha seat for himself
In Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has secured a decisive victory with 108 seats, emerging as the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly. The DMK finishes second with 59 seats, while AIADMK comes third with 47 seats. Though, a clear mandate in favour of TVK, it falls short of an absolute majority on its own, making post-poll alliances crucial to forming the government. Among other parties, Congress wins 5 seats, followed by PMK with 4 seats. IUML, CPI, VCK, and CPI(M) secure 2 seats each. Meanwhile, BJP, DMDK, and AMMK manage 1 seat each.
