CHENNAI — A seismic shift occurred in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu this Sunday, May 10, 2026. Vijay sworn in as Chief Minister before a sea of supporters at a packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The actor-turned-politician, known to millions as ‘Thalapathy’, officially took the oath of office. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the ceremony at 10 am. This historic moment ends nearly six decades of alternating rule between the DMK and AIADMK. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), now leads a coalition representing a “new generation” of Tamil politics.
The atmosphere at the stadium remained electric throughout the morning. High-profile attendees included Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Vijay’s parents, S.A. Chandrasekhar and Shobha, witnessed the transition alongside top film industry colleagues. However, the path to this ceremony was quite complex. Following a fractured mandate where TVK secured 108 seats, Vijay engaged in intense negotiations. He finally secured the magic number of 118 by gaining support from the Congress, Left parties, VCK, and IUML. Consequently, his coalition tally reached 120.
The TVK Cabinet: A Mix of Strategy and Experience
Alongside the Chief Minister, nine cabinet ministers took their oaths today. This team showcases a blend of administrative experience and fresh faces. Notably, veteran leader K.A. Sengottaiyan joined the new government. Formerly a pillar of the AIADMK, he brings decades of legislative experience to the young party. Other key appointments include Aadhav Arjuna, the party’s trusted strategist, and ‘Bussy’ N. Anand. As the TVK General Secretary, Anand has long been Vijay’s closest lieutenant.
Also Read : West Bengal CM Oath 2026: Suvendu Adhikari Takes Charge as PM Modi Hails New BJP Government
The cabinet also reflects a focus on professional diversity and youth. Dr. T.K. Prabhu, a dentist-turned-politician, and Arunraaj, a former IRS officer, joined the ranks. Their inclusion highlights the party’s tilt toward technocratic governance. Furthermore, 28-year-old S. Keerthana became the youngest cabinet member. This signals a clear commitment to youth representation. While portfolios are not yet official, the immediate priority is set. The team must pass a vote of confidence by May 13, 2026.
From Cinema Screens to Fort St. George
Vijay’s journey from a child artiste to the highest office is a quintessential success story. Born on June 22, 1974, he dominated the box office for decades. In 2024, he shocked the industry by quitting films to launch TVK. His campaign focused on “corruption-free” governance and “Tamil identity.” This message resonated strongly with voters tired of the established Dravidian duopoly. Interestingly, TVK’s sweep of 14 out of 16 seats in Chennai demonstrated a massive urban mandate.
Despite the euphoria, the new Chief Minister faces significant hurdles. High fuel prices and the state’s debt burden will test his acumen early on. Moreover, maintaining a five-party coalition requires constant diplomatic maneuvering. On his first visit to the Secretariat at Fort St. George, Vijay signed several official papers. These documents aim at providing immediate welfare relief to the public. As he moves to the “hot seat,” the people wait to see if he delivers “blockbuster governance.”
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Tamil Nadu
The day Vijay sworn in as Chief Minister marks more than a change of guard. It represents a cultural reset for the state. By breaking the 57-year cycle of DMK and AIADMK rule, TVK opened a multipolar era. As Rahul Gandhi noted, “Tamil Nadu has chosen a new voice.” Whether this voice can ensure lasting prosperity is the true test ahead.