C. Joseph Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026 [1].
The transition marks a historic shift in the state's political landscape, breaking a 60-year cycle of governance dominated by the DMK and AIADMK [1].
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai [2]. The event began between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. [1, 3], where Vijay took the oath of office to lead the state government.
Vijay's ascent to power follows a significant electoral performance by the TVK. The party won 108 seats in the assembly election [3]. With additional support from the VCK and other allied parties, the TVK-led alliance reached a tally of 117 MLAs [6]. This puts the government just shy of the 118-seat majority threshold required in the 234-member assembly [7].
During the ceremony, Vijay announced a cabinet consisting of nine members [1]. The formation of this government represents the first time in six decades that a third major force has successfully displaced the traditional bipartisan grip on Tamil Nadu's administration [1].
The ceremony was attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who administered the oath of office to the new chief minister [1].
“ending 60 years of alternating rule by the DMK and AIADMK parties”
The rise of the TVK disrupts a long-standing political duopoly in Tamil Nadu. By securing a near-majority and forming a coalition with the VCK and other parties, Vijay has transitioned from a cinematic figure to a political executive, challenging the established ideological dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.
