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'Thalapathy' Is Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Vijay Takes Oath With 9 TVK Leaders
Tamil Nadu's TVK leader Vijay was sworn in as chief minister on May 10, 2026, forming the state's first non-DMK/non-AIADMK government in nearly six decades. A coalition arrangement secured support from Congress and DMK allies, with nine TVK ministers joining the cabinet. The leadership move followed a sequence of talks and formal approvals culminating in the oath at Chennai's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Why It Matters
The event marks a historic political shift in Tamil Nadu, ending decades of two-party dominance. It also highlights the role of coalition dynamics and cross-party support in forming state governments in India, with a vote of confidence required by May 13.
Timeline
6 Events
Oath ceremony: Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister; cabinet sworn in
May 10, 2026
Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, with his nine TVK ministers taking oath alongside him. Attendees included his parents SA Chandrasekhar and Shobha, actor Trisha, and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
DMK allies back TVK; appointment as Chief Minister
May 9, 2026
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), allies of DMK, announced support for TVK, taking the tally to about 120 seats. Vijay submitted letters to the governor and was appointed Chief Minister, with a vote of confidence due by May 13.
Third meeting with the governor on resumed efforts
May 8, 2026
A further meeting occurred as Vijay sought to meet the governor's written support requirement of at least 118 MLAs, which had not yet been fulfilled.
Second meeting with the governor on coalition progress
May 7, 2026
Vijay held continued discussions with the governor but still did not prove the numbers required for a majority.
First meeting with the governor to stake claim
May 6, 2026
Vijay and coalition talks with potential partners began as he met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake claim to form the government; he was told he did not yet have a majority.
TVK wins 108 seats in April 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections
April 2026
In the April 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 of 234 seats, short of the 118 needed for a majority.