Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated C. Joseph Vijay, the President of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on his swearing-in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. PM Modi expressed hope for effective collaboration for the benefit of the public. Vijay’s oath-taking marked a historic political shift in Tamil Nadu, ending nearly six decades of alternating rule by the DMK and AIADMK. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay at a grand ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
Nine ministers were also sworn in alongside Vijay as part of the new Council of Ministers. The event was attended by national and regional political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, film personalities, party workers, and thousands of supporters. Heavy security measures were enforced by the Chennai city police around the stadium ahead of the ceremony. Vijay assumes office after the TVK-led alliance secured the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
The TVK emerged as the single largest party in the recent Assembly elections but fell short of an outright majority. After political negotiations, the VCK and IUML extended their support to the Vijay-led formation. Vijay met Governor Arlekar and submitted letters of support from all five allies. The Governor appointed Vijay as Chief Minister-designate and directed him to seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly by May 13. This marks a significant moment in Tamil Nadu politics as a non-Dravidian party comes to power for the first time since 1967.
