In a watershed moment for Tamil Nadu politics, actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar was officially sworn in as the state’s Chief Minister on Sunday. The oath of office was administered by Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Chennai Nehru Stadium. Vijay, who will also hold the Home portfolio, becomes the first actor since M.G. Ramachandran to attain the Chief Minister’s post, and the first leader outside the dominant DMK and AIADMK to rule the state since 1967.
His party, TVK, formed the government with the backing of 120 MLAs, which includes 108 TVK members and support from allies. Nine ministers were sworn in alongside Vijay. Notably, the Congress party has joined the Tamil Nadu cabinet after several decades, while Left parties have chosen to provide external support. The grand ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Vijay’s parents S.A. Chandrasekhar and Shoba, and close friends. The Governor has directed Vijay to prove his majority in the assembly by May 13.
