C Joseph Vijay Sworn In as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ending Decades of Dravidian Dominance
TVK chief Vijay takes charge with support from multiple parties, marking a major political shift in Tamil Nadu.
In a historic political development, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
The swearing in marks a dramatic change in the state’s political landscape, ending the decades long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics for the first time since 1967.
Vijay, 51, has secured the backing of 120 legislators in the 234 member Assembly, crossing the required majority mark of 118 seats.
His government received crucial support from several parties, including the Indian National Congress with 5 MLAs, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi with 2 MLAs, Indian Union Muslim League with 2 MLAs, CPI with 2 MLAs, and CPI(M) with 2 MLAs. Although these parties have extended unconditional support to the new government, they have not officially joined the TVK alliance.
Several prominent personalities attended the oath taking ceremony, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Vijay’s parents SA Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar, along with well known faces from the Tamil film industry. Actress Trisha Krishnan was among the notable attendees.
The formation of the new government came after days of intense political discussions and negotiations. Vijay reportedly met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar four times within four days before receiving the formal invitation to form the government.
The Governor invited Vijay to take charge after he submitted letters of support from allied and supporting parties. Congress’s move to part ways with its long standing ally DMK played a key role in changing the political balance in the state.
Governor Arlekar has asked the new Chief Minister to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly through a trust vote on or before May 13, 2026.
Vijay’s rise to power is being seen as a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. With support from a broad coalition of parties, the TVK government is expected to focus on strengthening its administration and fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign in the days ahead.