Indian actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has been sworn in as the new chief minister of Tamil Nadu after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, TVK, scored a major victory in the state assembly elections.
Vijay took the oath of office and secrecy on Sunday at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administering the oath. His rise marks a dramatic shift in Tamil Nadu politics, ending decades of dominance by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
The TVK emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member assembly, winning 108 seats, according to election reports. After several days of post-election negotiations and coalition-building, Vijay secured enough support to form the government.
Shortly after taking office, Vijay signed his first set of official orders, including measures on free electricity, women’s safety and a special anti-drug task force. Reports said the new administration announced 200 units of free power and pledged immediate action on law and order.
In his first address as chief minister, Vijay described his government as the beginning of a “new era” of secularism and social justice. He said the mandate reflected public demand for change and promised to govern for ordinary citizens, not political elites.
Vijay, popularly known as “Thalapathy” by his fans, launched the TVK in 2024 after years of speculation about his political ambitions. His campaign focused on corruption, unemployment, public welfare, social justice and the need for a new alternative in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
His victory is being seen as one of the most significant political breakthroughs by a film star in recent Indian politics. Tamil Nadu has a long history of cinema figures entering public life, but Vijay’s success in his party’s first major state election has immediately placed him among the most influential regional leaders in India.
The new chief minister now faces the challenge of converting popularity into governance. His immediate priorities are expected to include welfare delivery, public safety, employment, education and managing relations with the central government in New Delhi.
