Actor-turned-politician Vijay was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026 [1], [2].
The event marks a historic shift in regional power, as Vijay is the first leader to head the state government from outside the DMK and AIADMK parties since 1967 [6].
The ceremony took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai [1], [3]. Vijay took the oath of office alongside nine ministers [1]. The event was attended by several high-profile guests, including actress Trisha Krishnan and Rahul Gandhi [1], [3].
Vijay's political party, Tamil Nadu Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a decisive victory in the assembly elections. The party holds 120 seats [1], surpassing the 118-seat threshold required for a majority [1]. This electoral success allowed Vijay to receive the governor's nod to form the new government [1], [2].
The rise of TVK disrupts a political landscape that has been dominated by two primary rivals for nearly 60 years. By securing a clear majority, the party has positioned itself as the new center of power in the state, a transition that was formalized during the Sunday morning proceedings [2], [4].
Supporters gathered at the stadium to witness the transition of power. The presence of cinematic figures like Trisha Krishnan underscores the intersection of the Tamil film industry and the state's political machinery [1], [3].
“Vijay is the first leader to head the state government from outside the DMK and AIADMK parties since 1967”
The ascension of Vijay and the TVK represents a systemic break in Tamil Nadu's bipartisan political structure. By displacing the long-standing DMK-AIADMK hegemony, the new administration may shift the state's policy priorities and governance style, reflecting a voter desire for an alternative to the established political dynasties.
