CHENNAI, INDIA May 10, 2026 – Indian film superstar C. Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, was sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday after his newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party secured a major victory in the state assembly elections.
Vijay’s TVK won 108 of the 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, falling short of a simple majority but forming a coalition government with support from the Indian National Congress and other smaller parties including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The alliance crossed the 118-seat threshold needed to form the government, ending nearly six decades of alternating rule between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Vijay, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, took the oath of office administered by the Governor. The event was attended by national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, as well as several film industry personalities who congratulated the actor-turned-politician.
In his first address as Chief Minister, Vijay stood at the podium and declared, “Social justice starts now.” He expressed deep gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu, saying the support they had given him in the world of cinema had now brought him into public service. “Leaving all that behind out of gratitude towards you all… We will take care of things,” he told the gathering, emphasizing themes of welfare, secularism, and inclusive governance.
The 50-year-old star, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest box-office draws for over three decades, entered politics in 2024 by launching TVK with a strong focus on social justice, youth empowerment, and anti-corruption. His transition from screen idol to state leader has been closely watched across India, marking one of the most high-profile celebrity-to-politician journeys in recent years.
Political analysts describe the result as a seismic change in Tamil Nadu’s politics, breaking the long-standing dominance of the two major Dravidian parties. Vijay’s campaign promised free electricity, improved welfare schemes, and greater opportunities for the state’s youth.
Reactions poured in immediately after the ceremony. Celebrities, fans, and political figures from across party lines extended congratulations, hailing the moment as historic for Tamil Nadu and Indian democracy.
Al Jazeera’s video coverage of the event captured Vijay’s emotional speech and the celebratory atmosphere inside the stadium.
This development comes amid national attention on southern India’s shifting political landscape ahead of future parliamentary contests.
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