Actor Joseph Vijay, widely known as Thalapathy Vijay, has been sworn in as the 17th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10 at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. This historic event marks the first time in 60 years that a party other than the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) or All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has formed the government in the state.
Vijay's party, the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged victorious in the state assembly elections, securing 108 seats in the 234-seat assembly. The incumbent DMK won 59 seats, while the ADMK secured 47 seats, signaling an end to over five decades of dominance by these two parties in Dravidian politics. The TVK garnered 35% of the vote, amounting to 1.6 crore votes.
To reach the 118 seats required for a majority, TVK engaged in extensive discussions with various parties. Despite initial reports of securing 110 seats at one point, the party ultimately confirmed its direct win of 108 seats, requiring 10 additional seats to form the government. The Indian National Congress had expressed early willingness to support TVK, and a coalition was eventually formed with the backing of the VCK party, Indian Communist Party, and Indian Marxist Communist Party, ensuring a stable majority.
Following the successful formation of the alliance, Thalapathy Vijay was officially appointed Chief Minister by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The swearing-in ceremony proceeded as scheduled, with an initial cabinet comprising nine ministers. Vijay's selection criteria for his cabinet reportedly focused on a blend of political experience, youth representation, technical expertise, and party loyalists.
Immediately after taking his oath, Chief Minister Vijay signed his first order, granting 200 units of free electricity to state residents. This significant welfare measure is applicable to domestic consumers whose total electricity consumption over two months is 500 units or less. Further immediate actions include the establishment of a special task force to combat the drug menace, the creation of a new women's security unit named 'Singappen Athiradi Padai', and the launch of an emergency helpline.