In a major political shift in Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), lead by Chandrasekar Joseph Vijay has been chosen as the Chief Minister of the state after securing crucial support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League. The support from VCK and IUML helped Vijay’s TVK cross the required majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Vijay was appointed Chief Minister by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday after he submitted letters of support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML. The Governor accepted his claim to form the government and invited him to constitute the ministry. Vijay was also asked to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly on or before May 13.
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The development ended days of intense political uncertainty over government formation in Tamil Nadu. TVK, which won 108 seats in its maiden Assembly election, was initially short of the 118-seat majority mark. With the backing of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML, the numbers in Vijay’s favour rose to 120.
The VCK and IUML have extended outside support to the Vijay-led government and are not expected to be part of the cabinet. Both parties, which were earlier associated with the DMK-led alliance, played a decisive role in helping TVK reach the majority mark.
Vijay’s rise marks a historic moment in Tamil Nadu politics, as TVK is set to lead the state’s first government outside the long-standing DMK-AIADMK power structure in nearly seven decades. His transition from one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars to the state’s Chief Minister has added a new chapter to the state’s political landscape.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. Soon after assuming office, Vijay reportedly signed his first set of orders, including measures related to free electricity, women’s safety and an anti-drug task force.
TVK supporters celebrated the development across Chennai, bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets outside the party office. The government formation also came amid allegations and counter-allegations, including charges of horse-trading raised by AMMK, which TVK dismissed as false.
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Major Highlights & Updates
- Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: TVK founder C Joseph Vijay took oath as Chief Minister on May 10 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.
- VCK and IUML support proves decisive: Both parties extended support to TVK, taking Vijay’s total support base to 120 MLAs, two above the majority mark of 118.
- Governor accepted Vijay’s claim: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar appointed Vijay as Chief Minister after he submitted letters of support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML.
- Floor test by May 13: The Governor has asked Vijay to prove his majority in the Assembly on or before May 13.
- Outside support, not cabinet participation: VCK and IUML are expected to support the government from outside and may not join the ministry.
- TVK’s maiden election victory: TVK won 108 seats in its first Assembly election, emerging as the single largest party but falling short of majority on its own.
- Historic political shift: Vijay’s government marks the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu in nearly 70 years.
- First orders after oath: Vijay reportedly signed early orders focusing on free electricity, women’s safety and an anti-drug task force.
- Celebrations among TVK workers: Party supporters celebrated outside TVK offices by bursting crackers and distributing sweets.
- Political controversy continues: AMMK accused TVK of using a forged support letter and attempting horse-trading, while TVK denied the allegations.