C. Joseph Vijay Sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: A Historic Political Shift

The Dawn of a New Era: TVK Leader Vijay Takes Charge

In a watershed moment for South Indian politics, C. Joseph Vijay, the president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026. The high-profile swearing-in ceremony took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, where Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy. This appointment, made under Article 164 of the Constitution, marks the first time in over five decades that the state has moved away from the binary dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.

Key Administrative Highlights:

• Cabinet Formation: Along with the Chief Minister, a compact nine-member cabinet was sworn in to manage key portfolios.


• Floor Test: The Governor has directed the new administration to prove its majority in the Legislative Assembly on or before May 13, 2026.


• Historical Milestone: Vijay becomes the 9th Chief Minister since the state was renamed 'Tamil Nadu' in 1969. Since 1950, including pre-renaming leaders, he is the 13th individual to hold the post (excluding acting CMs like V.R. Nedunchezhiyan).


• Legacy: While K. Kamaraj holds the record for the longest tenure (1954–1963), the rise of TVK signifies a major structural change in the state's political history.