Historic Shift in Tamil Nadu Politics: C. Joseph Vijay Takes Office as Chief Minister

C. Joseph Vijay has officially taken office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a historic shift in the state's political landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him, expressing hopes for effective collaboration between the Central and State Governments. This inauguration ends a long-standing political cycle dominated by the DMK and AIADMK, as the TVK-led coalition secures a majority in the Assembly. The event was attended by numerous political leaders and required extensive security measures. Vijay's rise to power is seen as a significant realignment in Tamil Nadu politics, with implications for the future governance of the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 11:42 IST

A New Era Begins in Tamil Nadu

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to C. Joseph Vijay, the newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, during a ceremony held on Sunday. He expressed optimism for fruitful cooperation aimed at enhancing public welfare.

In a message shared on X, PM Modi stated, “Congratulations to Thiru C. Joseph Vijay on taking the oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Wishing him all the best for his upcoming term. The Central Government is committed to collaborating with the Tamil Nadu Government to uplift the lives of its citizens.”

Vijay's swearing-in signifies a pivotal change in Tamil Nadu's political scene, ending a nearly sixty-year cycle of governance alternating between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

The oath of office was administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at a grand event held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

Alongside Vijay, nine ministers were also sworn in, forming the new Council of Ministers.

The ceremony attracted numerous political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with film stars, party members, and thousands of supporters, necessitating extensive security measures around the venue.

Chennai city police implemented rigorous security protocols, including thorough vehicle inspections and strict access controls in the vicinity of the stadium prior to the event.

Vijay steps into his role after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led coalition garnered the backing of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, surpassing the 118 votes needed to establish a government.

Although the TVK emerged as the largest party in the recent Assembly elections, it did not achieve an outright majority, leading to intense political negotiations in the days leading up to the swearing-in.

The uncertainty concluded on Saturday evening when the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) pledged their support to Vijay's coalition.

Previously, the Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI), and the Communist Party of India-Marxist also expressed their backing for the TVK, allowing Vijay to claim the opportunity to form the government.

After securing the necessary support, Vijay met with Governor Arlekar at Lok Bhavan in Chennai on Saturday night, presenting letters of support from all five allied parties: Congress, CPI, CPI-M, VCK, and IUML. The Governor then appointed Vijay as Chief Minister-designate and invited him to establish the ministry, instructing him to seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly by May 13.

Vijay's inauguration marks a significant milestone in Tamil Nadu's political history, as it is the first time since 1967 that a non-Dravidian party has assumed power in the state. Analysts view this development as a substantial shift in the political dynamics that have long been dominated by the DMK and AIADMK.