Chennai: Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, ushering in a major political shift in the state after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led alliance secured enough support to form the government.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay at a ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Nine ministers also took oath as part of the new council of ministers.
The development marks the first time since 1967 that a party outside the traditional Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam political space has come to power in Tamil Nadu.
Several political leaders, film personalities and supporters attended the swearing-in ceremony, while heavy security arrangements were put in place across the venue. Special seating arrangements were also made for Vijay’s family members and invited guests.
The TVK-led alliance secured the backing of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly, crossing the majority mark required to form the government. The alliance received support from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML after days of political discussions following the election results.
After securing support from alliance partners, Vijay met the Governor on Saturday and submitted letters of support to stake claim to form the government. The Governor subsequently invited him to form the ministry and directed the new government to prove its majority on the floor of the Assembly by May 13.
Political observers have described Vijay’s rise as a landmark moment in Tamil Nadu politics, signalling a major realignment in a state long dominated by the DMK and AIADMK.
