Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu chief minister, ends six decades of DMK-AIADMK rule

C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Tamil Nadu chief minister on Sunday at a ceremony attended by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, marking the beginning of the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in the southern state in around 60 years.

The swearing-in ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai saw the actor-turned-politician take oath along with nine cabinet ministers. Governor RV Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy.

Vijay’s first cabinet included a mix of experienced and young leaders, with several members of his close political team finding a place in the ministry. Dravidian veteran K A Sengottaiyan and younger faces Dr TK Prabhu and S Keerthana were among those sworn in.

TVK leaders Aadhav Arjuna, N Anand, R Nirmal Kumar, KG Arunraj and Sengottaiyan, all considered part of Vijay’s inner circle, also took oath as ministers.

Amid loud cheers and continuous whistling from TVK cadres inside the venue, Vijay took oath in the name of God. His ministers also took oath in the name of God, unlike most members of the outgoing DMK government.

In his first address after taking office, Vijay said he did not come from a royal lineage and that people had welcomed and accepted him. He said he would not deceive people with false promises.

“A fresh, new governance has started and a new era of real, secular, social justice starts now,” he said.

Soon after assuming office, Vijay signed files approving 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers and the creation of a special force for women’s safety.

The ceremony was attended by Vijay’s parents S A Chandrasekhar and Shobha, actor Trisha and several political leaders and invitees.

In a break from his usual white shirt and beige trousers, Vijay appeared in a white shirt, dark trousers and a blazer for the occasion.

Most cabinet colleagues also wore shirts and trousers, differing from the traditional white dhoti and white shirt commonly seen in Tamil Nadu politics.

Vijay’s parents were visibly emotional as they watched their son become chief minister in his first election, two years after launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

The swearing-in marked a major political shift in Tamil Nadu, ending decades of dominance by the DMK and AIADMK in the Dravidian heartland.

The atmosphere at the venue remained celebratory throughout the event as thousands gathered to witness what supporters described as the transformation of their “Thalapathy” into “Muthalamaichar”.

Whistles, the election symbol of TVK, echoed across the stadium while supporters wearing yellow party shawls celebrated Vijay’s rise to power.

Inside the venue, supporters who had arrived since dawn cheered continuously during the ceremony. “We are very happy because of Thalapathy,” a supporter said.

Actor Sanam Shetty described the moment as a turning point in Tamil Nadu politics.

“Even after winning the majority, even after creating a historic moment… the gruelling past week of political dynamic shifts hasn’t allowed us to sleep peacefully. Today, we are going to sleep peacefully, dreaming of a better Tamil Nadu in the safe hands of our beloved Thalapathy Joseph Vijay sir,” she said.

The emotional scenes continued at the residence of Vijay’s father, Chandrasekhar.

Vijay’s mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, said, “Vijay will lead this well; I have full faith in him”.

Several members of the film industry, including actor Trisha, attended the ceremony. The event also coincided with Mother’s Day, a detail noted by supporters and family members during the celebrations.

Vijay concluded the hour-long event by taking a selfie on stage with Rahul Gandhi and members of his cabinet.