C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026, by Governor Rajendra Arlekar. This event marks a significant political shift in the state as the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) forms the government through a post-poll alliance.
Nine members from TVK were appointed to the council of ministers based on recommendations by Vijay. The ceremony took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, attended by prominent political figures such as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and BJP Tamil Nadu chief Nainar Nagendran.
The ministers inducted include N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KG Arunraj, K A Sengottaiyan, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, TK Prabhu, and S Keerthana. This is the first ceremony where the song Vande Mataram was sung twice.
TVK emerged as the largest party in the April 23 Assembly polls, securing 108 seats, short of the 117 needed for a majority. The party gained support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Indian Union Muslim League, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, achieving a total of 120 seats.
Governor Arlekar has directed Vijay to prove his majority in the Assembly by May 13. Political leaders, including outgoing CM M K Stalin and AIADMK’s Edappadi K Palaniswami, have extended their greetings to the new government.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, May 11, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
