The Times of India

Actor C Joseph Vijay has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, defeating the DMK in a surprising electoral victory. His unconventional campaign, leveraging social media and targeting younger voters, marked a departure from traditional politics.

Newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay pledged a transparent government, announcing a white paper on state finances to address a debt exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore. His administration immediately enacted policies for free electricity, enhanced women's safety, and established anti-narcotics units, emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption and a new era of social justice.

K.A. Sengottaiyan, a veteran politician with a five-decade career, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming a 10-time legislator in Tamil Nadu. His journey began in grassroots politics in the 1970s, leading to significant roles, including School Education Minister. Following his expulsion from AIADMK, he joined the TVK party, further demonstrating his enduring political influence.

C Joseph Vijay has been sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, promising immediate welfare measures like free electricity up to 200 units. He emphasized performance, transparency, and a singular center of power, vowing to tackle fiscal mismanagement and drug abuse. Vijay also highlighted education, transport, and women's safety as key priorities, marking a new era of social justice.

C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu by Governor R V Arlekar on Sunday morning. Several of his party colleagues also took the oath as ministers. The event, which began with 'Vande Mataram' instead of 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu', saw the presence of Rahul Gandhi and other notable figures.

In a dramatic twist within the AIADMK, 36 MLAs, spearheaded by C. Ve. Shanmugam, are raising eyebrows and voices against party leader Edappadi Palaniswami. Accusations of making solitary decisions fueled by self-interest are threatening to fracture the party, with rebel members eyeing support from Vijay's TVK in a bid to seize the title of 'true AIADMK.'

On Sunday, C Joseph Vijay will officially be inaugurated as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, leading a cabinet of 11 MLAs. Governor R V Arlekar has challenged Vijay to solidify his majority by May 13. With backing from Congress, VCK, IUML, and Left factions, Vijay is set to establish a reliable government, effectively avoiding the need for upcoming elections.

The dissident camp accused Palaniswami of taking unilateral decisions ahead of the 2026 assembly election and acting in his personal interest rather than safeguarding the future of the party. The revolt comes at a politically sensitive moment when govt formation in Tamil Nadu was uncertain after a fractured verdict.

A vacation bench headed by Justice L Victoria Gowri is scheduled to hear the plea in a special sitting on Sunday.

TVK chief Vijay, who will take oath as chief minister of Tamil Nadu at 10am on Sunday, will hold home and public administration portfolios.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.

While 77 (72%) out of 107 winning candidates from TVK are crorepatis, the percentage is more among DMK, AIADMK winning candidates.

In a joint press meet, Thirumavalavan and CPI state secretary M Veerapandian condemned governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekars refusal to meet TVK chief Vijay.

While 19 out of 107 winning candidates from TVK have serious criminal cases against them, 14 candidates each from DMK and AIADMK parties have serious cases.

With TVK possessing the support of 120 MLAs, Vijay is expected to form the govt soon. The governor is likely to invite Vijay to form the govt. The date for the swearing-in ceremony will be announced officially by the governor.

The VCK has postponed its decision on supporting actor Vijay's TVK to form the government, with party chief Thol Thirumavalavan yet to announce his stance. General secretary D Ravikumar denied reports of cabinet berth demands, stating they are contrary to truth. The VCK's two MLAs could be crucial for Vijay to reach the majority mark.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami congratulated the party set to form the next government in Tamil Nadu following the 17th Assembly elections. He made the announcement via a social media post after holding a closed-door meeting with newly elected MLAs.