Vijay, chief of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (TVK), took the oath of office as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Monday [1].
The appointment marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, as it has already triggered a row among coalition partners, including the AIADMK and VCK [1].
The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. [1] across two primary locations: Chennai’s Nehru Stadium and the Tamil Nadu Secretariat [1]. Vijay was sworn in alongside nine ministers [1].
To secure the position, Vijay garnered the backing of 120 MLAs [1]. This figure exceeds the 118-seat majority required to form a government in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly [1]. Rahul Gandhi was present at the venue for the proceedings [1].
While the numerical majority is established, the transition has not been seamless. The emergence of the TVK as the leading force has created friction within the coalition, as partners navigate the new power dynamic established by Vijay's ascent to the chief ministership [1].
“Vijay, chief of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (TVK), took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu”
The ascent of Vijay to the chief ministership represents a disruption of traditional power-sharing agreements within the Tamil Nadu coalition. By securing 120 seats—surpassing the 118-seat majority threshold—Vijay possesses a mathematical mandate, but the resulting political row suggests a fragile alliance that may struggle with stability in the coming term.
