Chennai: Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, is scheduled to take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. This follows Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)’s emergence as the single largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections and successful negotiations to secure the required majority with support from multiple allies.
TVK chief Vijay met Governor Rajendra Arlekar at Raj Bhavan (Lok Bhawan) in Chennai on Saturday and formally staked claim to form the government, citing the support of 120 MLAs. The development marks a significant political shift in the state, as a new party led by a popular film star prepares to assume power within a short span of its formation.
In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, TVK secured 108 seats, falling short of the 118-mark needed for a simple majority. However, the party quickly stitched together a post-poll alliance. Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and Left parties (CPI and CPI(M)) extended support, pushing the coalition’s strength comfortably past the majority threshold.
TVK leader Adhav Arjuna told reporters in Chennai that both VCK and IUML have provided unconditional support for government formation. Sources indicate that formal letters of support have been submitted to the Governor. Congress is understood to have five MLAs, while CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML contribute two MLAs each, taking the combined strength of supporting parties to 13. With TVK’s 108 seats, the total reaches 121. Vijay, who won from two constituencies — Perambur and Tiruchy East — will have to vacate one seat, reducing TVK’s tally to 107. Even then, the coalition will command 120 MLAs, ensuring stability.
The road to government formation became clearer after VCK and IUML formally extended their backing. A formal meeting between TVK and VCK was expected to finalise details, with an announcement anticipated by Saturday evening. The swift alignment of these parties reflects a broad anti-incumbency sentiment against the erstwhile DMK regime and a desire for a new political alternative.
However, the process has not been without controversy. Chief of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), T. T. V. Dhinakaran, demanded that the Governor investigate an alleged forged letter of support purportedly sent by one of his party MLAs to TVK. Meanwhile, AIADMK MLAs, who were earlier stationed at a resort in Puducherry, returned to Chennai to meet party General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for discussions on the evolving situation.
National General Secretary of CPI(M), M. A. Baby, criticised the Governor for allegedly delaying the invitation to the single largest party. Speaking to the media in Chennai, Baby accused the Governor of acting on directions from Delhi and alleged that the BJP was attempting to facilitate an AIADMK-led government by stalling the democratic process.
In the final results, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which was in power, managed to win only 59 seats. Its principal rival, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), secured 47 seats. The remaining seats were distributed among smaller parties and independents. TVK’s impressive debut with 108 seats underscores the massive popularity of Vijay and the party’s well-crafted campaign strategy that resonated with voters across the state.
Political observers note that the new alliance brings together diverse ideological streams — from the Dravidian ecosystem and Left-leaning groups to minority-focused parties — under the leadership of a charismatic figure who enjoys pan-state appeal. Vijay’s dual victories in Perambur and Tiruchy East further highlight his strong personal following.
As preparations for the swearing-in ceremony gain momentum, all eyes are on Raj Bhavan and the new Chief Minister’s first set of decisions. The oath-taking is expected to be a grand affair, reflecting the celebratory mood among TVK workers and supporters. With a stable majority and broad alliances, the Vijay-led government is poised to begin its tenure with a strong mandate for governance and change in Tamil Nadu.
The coming days will reveal the composition of the Cabinet and the immediate policy priorities of the new dispensation. For now, Tamil Nadu stands at the cusp of a new political era under the leadership of Thalapathy Vijay.