Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has sent warm wishes to actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay for becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a significant political change in the state. Anwar Ibrahim praised Vijay for his cinematic achievements and highlighted the trust placed in him by the people of Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the new responsibilities he now carries beyond the screen.
Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), took the oath as Chief Minister at a ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, officiated by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Alongside Vijay, nine ministers also assumed office as part of the new council.
This swearing-in ceremony signifies a momentous shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, breaking a long-standing trend of governance oscillating between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Despite not securing a clear majority, the TVK-led alliance garnered the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly, surpassing the required 118-seat mark.
The event attracted prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, in addition to film personalities, party members, and a large crowd of supporters. Stringent security measures were implemented in Chennai, including thorough vehicle inspections and strict access control around the venue, to ensure a smooth ceremony.
Vijay’s appointment as Chief Minister signifies a significant moment in Tamil Nadu’s political history, marking the first time a non-Dravidian party has assumed power since 1967. This development is seen as a substantial shift in the state’s political dynamics, traditionally dominated by the DMK and AIADMK.
