Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam founder Vijay was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, May 10, 2026 [7].
The transition marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape as a newcomer from the film industry ascends to the highest executive office. This move disrupts the long-standing dominance of established political dynasties in the region.
The ceremony began at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, where Vijay received a guard of honour before proceeding to the Tamil Nadu Secretariat to officially take charge [1]. Upon arrival at the Secretariat, the 51-year-old leader signed his first official government orders [6].
Vijay's ascent follows a decisive electoral performance by the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). While reports on the exact tally vary, the party secured between 117 [2] and 118 seats [1] in the 234-member Assembly. The majority mark for the house is 118 MLAs [3].
To solidify the government's position, the TVK relied on a coalition of allies. The Congress party contributed five seats to the alliance [4], while the Communist Party of India (CPI) provided two seats [5]. This collective support ensured the formation of a stable government capable of meeting the legislative threshold.
The event was attended by a large crowd of supporters and political figures who witnessed the official oath-taking ceremony [2]. The new administration now takes over the governance of one of India's most industrialized states, facing the challenge of translating campaign promises into policy.
“TVK founder Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, May 10, 2026.”
The victory of the TVK represents a successful pivot from cinema to governance, mirroring a historical trend in Tamil Nadu where film stars leverage mass popularity for political power. By securing a majority through a mix of independent strength and strategic alliances with the Congress and CPI, Vijay has positioned himself as a central figure in South Indian politics, potentially challenging the traditional bipartisan grip on the state's administration.
