Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar took the oath of office as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday morning [1].
The appointment marks a historic shift in the region's political landscape. Vijay is the first chief minister in nearly six decades [2] to lead the state without a background in a Dravidian party.
The ceremony took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai [2]. Vijay, the chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), assumed the role following an electoral victory for his party [2]. He was sworn in alongside nine other TVK leaders [1].
High-profile attendees included actor Trisha Krishnan and Rahul Gandhi [1]. Krishnan said she was looking forward to the big day ahead of the ceremony [3].
During the proceedings, Vijay emphasized a personal connection to the electorate. "I'm like your son, your brother," Vijay said [1].
Support for the new administration is substantial, with 120 MLAs supporting Vijay [1]. The transition follows his journey from a career in cinema to becoming a primary political force in the state [4]. The swearing-in ceremony occurred in 2026 [2].
“"I'm like your son, your brother."”
The ascent of Vijay and the TVK represents a significant disruption of the long-standing Dravidian political hegemony in Tamil Nadu. By securing the support of 120 MLAs, Vijay has transitioned from a celebrity figure to a legitimate governing authority, potentially altering the state's ideological trajectory and its relationship with national political entities.
