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C. Joseph Vijay sworn-in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
C. Joseph Vijay, head of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on May 10, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, with Governor Arlekar administering the oath and Rahul Gandhi in attendance. The formation of the government followed TVK securing 108 seats and gaining support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML after the April 23 Assembly election. The appointment came with a directive to seek a confidence vote by May 13, marking a new political chapter in the state after five decades.
Why It Matters
The event signals a major shift in Tamil Nadu politics as TVK, led by an actor-turned-politician, forms a government without the traditional AIADMK/DMK dominance. It represents a notable realignment with multiple parties backing the administration and sets a rapid timeline for a confidence vote.
Timeline
6 Events
Swearing-in ceremony of C. Joseph Vijay as Chief Minister
May 10, 2026
In the morning, C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was present on the stage.
Governor appoints CM with call for confidence vote
May 9, 2026
On May 9, the Governor appointed C. Joseph Vijay as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister with a direction to seek the vote of confidence of the Assembly on or before May 13.
TVK forms government with cross-party support
May 9, 2026
Over the five days after May 4, TVK managed to secure the support of Congress, the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and the Indian Union Muslim League to form the government.
TVK secures 108 seats in the Assembly
May 4, 2026
Five days after the election, TVK secured 108 of the 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
TVK contest and vote share in Tamil Nadu Assembly election
April 23, 2026
In the April 23 Assembly election, TVK contested all 233 constituencies without allies and secured around 1.7 crore votes out of a total of about 4.9 crore polled.
Launch of TVK by C. Joseph Vijay
February 2, 2024
In February 2024, C. Joseph Vijay formally launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), noting that his Vijay Makkal Iyakkam fan club alone could not bring about social, economic, and political reforms and that political power was necessary. He also vowed to oppose a political culture riddled with corruption and divisive practices based on caste and religion.