'C. Joseph Vijay ennum naan': 'Thalapthy' Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister; A look back at TVK government formation in TN

Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, swears in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026, capping an intense six-day political journey following the hung assembly verdict. After TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, Vijay faced the tough challenge of securing outside support to reach the 118-seat majority. Through strategic negotiations and timely alliances, he successfully formed the government, becoming the first leader outside the DMK-AIADMK formations to head the state since 1967.

Six-Day Struggle After Poll Results

The Assembly election results on May 4, 2026, created political uncertainty. TVK won 108 seats but was short of majority. After Vijay vacated one seat he had won from two constituencies, the party’s effective strength came down to 107. For the next few days, intense negotiations took place with smaller parties.

Congress was the first to extend support with its 5 MLAs. The decisive breakthrough came when VCK (2), CPI (2), CPM (2), and IUML (2) also announced their backing, taking the total to 120 seats, exceeding the majority mark of 118.

Vijay's Meetings with the Governor

Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar four times in four days. In the first meeting, he submitted initial letters of support and briefed the Governor about TVK’s claim as the single largest party. The second meeting and then the third in just three days. In the meeting held the next day, on Saturday, saw Vijay present stronger documentation and formal letters of support from Congress, VCK, CPI, CPM, and IUML. Satisfied with the numbers, the Governor invited Vijay to form the government and prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly before May 13.

TVK Cabinet

Nine TVK leaders will take oath as cabinet ministers along with Vijay. The list includes a balanced mix of experienced and young faces: N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KA Sengottaiyan, KG Anuraj, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, TK Prabhu, and S Keerthana.

The grand swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 AM today at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is also attending the event. Security has been tightened across the city.

Vijay’s parents expressed immense joy on the occasion. His father, SA Chandrasekhar, told ANI, “I am very happy. We are going to attend the function. I am going to enjoy that my son is going to take the oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.” His mother Sobha said it was a special Mother’s Day gift for her.

(With agency inputs)