C. Joseph Vijay took the oath of office as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Monday after his party won the state assembly elections.
The transition marks a significant shift in the region's political landscape as a newcomer disrupts the long-standing dominance of established parties. Vijay, the leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), becomes the 13th chief minister of the state [5].
Following the ceremony in Chennai, Vijay paid a courtesy visit to former chief minister M. K. Stalin. The meeting took place the day after the official oath ceremony to ensure a formal transition of power between the outgoing and incoming administrations.
The TVK secured a historic victory in the 2026 elections, winning 108 seats [1]. This majority allowed the party to form the government in an assembly that consists of 234 total seats [2]. The election saw high civic engagement, with a voter turnout of over 85 percent [3]. This participation rate is notable given that there were approximately 5.7 crore registered voters across Tamil Nadu [4].
Vijay's ascent to power follows his transition from a career in cinema to politics. His party's ability to capture a majority in the legislative body represents a departure from previous electoral cycles in the state. The visit to Stalin and other political figures, including Seeman, suggests an effort to maintain diplomatic relations with existing political stakeholders, while initiating a new governance mandate.
“C. Joseph Vijay becomes the 13th chief minister of the state.”
The victory of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam signals a potential realignment of power in Tamil Nadu, where celebrity influence has successfully translated into a legislative majority. By securing 108 seats, Vijay has moved beyond a mere protest vote to establish a governing mandate, challenging the traditional bipartisan or coalition structures that have historically defined the state's politics.
