Chennai : A new political chapter is set to begin in Tamil Nadu as TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay will take oath as the state’s 9th Chief Minister today. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 AM at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.
Before the oath ceremony, Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan on Saturday and submitted letters of support from 121 legislators to stake claim for forming the government. The majority mark in the 234-member assembly stands at 118.
Support from Multiple Parties Helped TVK Cross Majority Mark
Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured support from 108 of its own MLAs. Additional backing came from the Indian National Congress with 5 legislators, Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) with two MLAs each. Further support was extended by Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), both contributing two legislators each.
After reviewing the letters of support, Governor Arlekar officially invited Vijay to form the government.
Five Days of Intense Political Negotiations
Although Vijay is now set to take charge, his path to the Chief Minister’s office was far from straightforward.After election results were announced on May 4, Tamil Nadu witnessed nearly five days of intense political activity. On May 6, Vijay first approached the Governor with support from Congress’s five MLAs, but he fell short of the required majority by five members.
The following day, on May 7, he returned with backing from left parties, adding four more legislators to his tally. Even then, the Governor asked him to demonstrate support from at least 118 lawmakers.
Final Support on May 9 Cleared the Way
On May 8, TVK claimed support from VCK, and Vijay met the Governor for the third consecutive day. However, the matter remained unresolved as official confirmation from VCK was delayed.
The breakthrough came on May 9 when both VCK and IUML formally extended their support, taking Vijay’s tally to 121 and clearing the final hurdle for government formation.
Floor Test Ordered Before May 13
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has appointed Vijay as Chief Minister and directed him to prove his majority on the floor of the assembly before May 13, 2026.
Apart from Vijay, nine more legislators are expected to take oath as ministers during today’s ceremony. Sources indicate that six ministers may come from TVK, while three are likely to represent Congress.
From Silver Screen to State Leadership
Known to millions as “Thalapathy,” Vijay’s journey from cinema superstar to the highest political office in Tamil Nadu has become one of the most talked-about political stories in the state. With the oath ceremony today, the actor-turned-politician officially begins a new role—this time, in public office rather than on the big screen.
