Thalapathy Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

Thalapathy Vijay has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, ending weeks of political negotiations and marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (May 10).

Vijay was sworn in along with nine cabinet members, including former AIADMK leader K. A. Sengottaiyan, who was earlier expelled after raising leadership concerns within the party.

Among those taking oath is Vijay’s key election strategist Adhav Arjuna, credited with playing a central role in the victory of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Also included is Nirmal Kumar, a former BJP member who joined TVK and won from Madurai’s Tirupparankundram constituency.

TVK general secretary Anand, who managed much of the party’s organisational structure, also took oath after winning from Chennai’s T. Nagar constituency.

The cabinet list further includes actor-turned-politician Raj Mohan, medical professionals T K Prabhu and Arun Raj, and IRS officer-turned-politician P Venkataraman, who is expected to represent a key administrative voice in the new government. The youngest minister in the cabinet is Keerthan, who won from Virudhunagar.

Vijay’s party secured 108 seats in the 234-member assembly in the recent elections. However, he had to engage in prolonged negotiations and held multiple rounds of talks with the governor before forming the government.

Support from the Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Indian Union Muslim League helped him secure a working majority.

Although Vijay was elected from two constituencies, he will vacate one seat. His alliance strength is expected to stand at 120 members in the assembly.

The development marks a historic political change in Tamil Nadu, as for the first time in nearly six decades, a government outside the dominance of DMK and AIADMK has taken power in the state.