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Vijay sets in motion first non-DMK, non-AIADMK leadership since 1967; newly elected TVK ministers signal radical departure from traditional governance
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at the sprawling Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai today (May 10).
Vijay recommended a list of nine individuals for appointment as ministers in the state cabinet. The list includes N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr KG Arunraj, KA Sengottaiyan, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr TK Prabhu, and Selvi S Keerthana.
The government has been formed after extensive discussions with smaller parties, which were intent on keeping both the BJP and AIADMK out of the state’s power structure.
Once sworn in, 51-year-old C Joseph Vijay will become the first leader outside the DMK and AIADMK camps to head the Tamil Nadu government since 1967.
Also read | How Vijay glided effortlessly from Kodambakkam to Fort St George
The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is attending the swearing-in ceremony.
Power transition in Tamil Nadu
This development follows Vijay’s meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar at Lok Bhavan on Saturday after his party secured the majority required to form the government.
Capping days of hectic parleying to shore up numbers to usher in the first non-DMK, non-AIADMDK government in nearly 70 years, Vijay finally managed to secure the support of four MLAs of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Saturday.
He then headed to the Lok Bhavan for his fourth meeting with Governor Arlekar in as many days to discuss government formation, before the latter appointed Vijay as CM and invited him to form ministry.
The VCK and IUML extended “unconditional support,” to Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. However, DMK's allies, including the VCK, have made it clear that they continue to be part of the Dravidian party-led alliance.
VCK support changes equation
The suspense over government formation ended when the Thol Thirumavalavan-led VCK, which has two seats, finally extended support after keeping the TVK on tenterhooks and the political circles abuzz over its stand over the last two days.
VCK, a long-time ally of the Left parties who had extended their support to Vijay on Friday, had earlier announced its decision would be in sync with their stand. Shortly after VCK's decision to back Vijay, another DMK ally, the IUML also extended support to TVK. IUML has two MLAs.
Also read | Understanding the Vijay phenomenon in Tamil Nadu politics
With the two small parties' support, the numbers in favour of TVK rose to 120, just two more than the simple majority mark of 118 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Vijay, who has won from two segments, Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East, has to resign from one of them, bringing down the party's strength to 107. The number of MLAs from parties supporting the TVK-- Congress (5) and the CPI, CPI (M), VCK and IUML with two MLAs each, stands at 13.
The Congress has ended its alliance with DMK but the others have said they continue in the Dravidian-party lead alliance.
Scroll below for Live updates.
Live Updates
- 10 May 2026 11:18 AM IST
Modi congratulates Vijay
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay for taking over as Tamil Nadu CM. "Best wishes for his tenure ahead. The Central Government will keep working with the Tamil Nadu Government to improve the lives of people," wrote in a post on X.
- 10 May 2026 11:09 AM IST
Vijay addresses the crowd, rolls out three of his poll promises
Addressing the gathering, Vijay said he had a humble beginning. His father was a struggling assistant director, and the family experienced poverty first hand, he added.
Just before that, he signed documents for 200 units of free electricity, a Singa Penne ('Lioness') scheme for women's safety, and measures to make the state drugs-free. These were part of his poll promises.
"I'm like any of you," he said. "I'm an ordinary man. I will never give you false promises. I'll only say what I can deliver.
"You encouraged me to enter politics. I'm confident we can address any problem.
"Rs 10 lakh crore of debt is lying with the state. The coffers are empty. They've left us with a huge burden. We are taking over the government at this point.
"We need to figure things out. I'll release a white paper on the status. I wish to be transparent and take it forward from there.
"No need to close your face and meet people. Let's be open.
"But please be patient with me. Give me some time. This is your government. I'm particular about women's safety. From today, I'll fight the drug culture and save our children.
"Law and order is a promise from me. Even for those who humilated me. I'll focus first on basic needs.
"I'll not take a paisa from people's money. This Vijay will not do wrong things. He will not allow others to err, including those in his government.
"My MLAs dare not get corrupt. I'm the only centre here. No power centres anymore.
"Minority communities need have no fear. My government stands with all people.
"I wish to thank children, who made this possible for me. Vijay mama (uncle) promises to help you all, ensure you have a good future.
"A big thank you to TVK leaders, booth agents, virtual warriors, cadres and followers. Let's give a new governance. It's a new beginning, a new era of a real, secular, social justice."
Vijay also thanked Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, 'my brother' Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, K Selvaperunthagai, Praveen Chakravarty, CPI(M)'s MA Baby, P Shanmugam, K Balakrishnan, Su Venkatesan, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, D Ravikumar, Vanni Arasu, CPI leaders D Raja, M Veerapandian, Raj Mutharasan, IUML leaders Kodar Mohideen, Navaskani.
He then took a selfie with the entire crowd.
- 10 May 2026 10:53 AM IST
Rahul and Vijay share a moment at the ceremony
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay share a moment at the swearing-in ceremony.
- 10 May 2026 10:44 AM IST
Vijay's oath-taking ceremony concludes; Vande Mataram sung again
After Vijay, nine other TVK leaders took oath as ministers. These are: ('Bussy') N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KG Arunraj, KA Sengottaiyan, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, ('Put Chutney') A Rajmohan, TK Prabhu, and S Keerthana.
The event concluded with the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram, and the national anthem.
- 10 May 2026 10:24 AM IST
Vijay sworn in as Chief Minister of TN
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar swears in Vijay as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Vijay starts the oath-taking with "C Joseph Vijay enum naan..." to loud cheers at the venue.
Following him Bussy Anand takes oath as minister, followed by Aadhav Arjuna.
- 10 May 2026 10:16 AM IST
Vande Mataram sung first
Vande Mataram — the full version — was sung. This was followed by Jana Gana Mana, and then Tamizh Thai Vaazhtu.
In TN government functions, the norm all along has been to start with the Tamil prayer song and end the event with the national anthem. The national song is typically not sung. Starting today's ceremony with Vande Mataram is likely to trigger a debate, especially the pushing of Tamizh Thai Vaazhtu to the third position.
- 10 May 2026 10:09 AM IST
Vijay greats people at the venue
Loud cheers rent the air as Vijay greets the guests at the venue, with his trademark 'shy' smile, standing next to Rahul Gandhi.
The nadaswaram music has been paused ahead of the swearing in ceremony.
- 10 May 2026 9:48 AM IST
Vijay, Rahul arrive at venue
Vijay has arrived at the stadium and reached the podium. Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also arrived at the venue.
- 10 May 2026 9:38 AM IST
What's Vijay wearing for oath-taking ceremony?
For his oath-taking ceremony, which follows days of negotiations with other parties to reach the magic number of 118 seats, Vijay has gone for a formal look.
He has chosen a white shirt and black suit, skipping his usual jeans or beige trousers.
- 10 May 2026 9:35 AM IST
Vijay oath taking: 'No selfies, please,' says MC
As the crowds surge to watch TVK chief Vijay take oath as CM, the organisers are struggling to control the crowd. There is a mix of celebrities, film personalities, politicians and common people thronging the auditorium.
The emcee is urging people to settle down on their allotted seats, and avoid taking selfies. She is also urging volunteers to speed up the seating process.
