Swearing-In
Governor Arlekar Administers Oath at Nehru Stadium; 9 Ministers Also Sworn In
Governance
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, born on June 22, 1974, in Madras (now Chennai), is an Indian actor turned politician who rose from the world of Tamil cinema to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Born to filmmaker S.A. Chandrasekhar and playback singer Shoba Chandrasekhar, Vijay grew up immersed in the film industry and made his debut as a child artist in his father's film Vetri (1984).
Over a career spanning three decades and 68 films, Vijay became one of India's highest-paid actors and earned the adoring title "Thalapathy" (Leader) from his massive fanbase. His blockbusters like Thuppakki, Mersal, Bigil, and The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) weren't just commercial triumphs — they carried strong social messages about corruption, inequality, and public welfare that hinted at his political ambitions.
In February 2024, Vijay announced the formation of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and declared his retirement from cinema. His final film, Jana Nayagan (People's Hero), released in 2026, served as a cinematic farewell and prelude to his political career. Long before entering formal politics, Vijay had been active through his social welfare wing, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, which provided free education, organized blood donation camps, and delivered disaster relief across Tamil Nadu.
I don't see politics as a career; I see it as a duty. The people have placed their trust in me, and I will enable smooth and transparent governance for all.— C. Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, held on April 23, 2026, marked a historic turning point. TVK, a party barely two years old, won 108 of 234 seats, emerging as the single largest party and ending a 59-year streak of dominance by the Dravidian parties — DMK and AIADMK. The election recorded a historic voter turnout of 85.1%, the highest in Tamil Nadu's history.
Vijay's campaign was revolutionary in its approach, relying heavily on digital outreach through YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp — a strategy the BBC described as a major shift toward digital-first political mobilization in India. His party positioned itself as a corruption-free alternative to the perceived fatigue of Dravidian governance, drawing comparisons with legendary actor-turned-Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa.
After results were declared on May 4, Vijay secured a governing majority by inviting Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML to join the coalition — amassing the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member House. On May 10, 2026, he was sworn in as Chief Minister at the Nehru Indoor Stadium by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, with Rahul Gandhi and prominent Tamil film personalities in attendance.
Among his first acts as CM, Vijay signed orders for 200 units of free electricity for every family, established a special unit for women's safety, and created a dedicated anti-drug smuggling task force — fulfilling early promises from his election manifesto.
Born as Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar in Madras (Chennai) to filmmaker S.A. Chandrasekhar and singer Shoba Chandrasekhar.
Debuts as a child actor in the Tamil film Vetri, directed by his father.
First leading role in Naalaiya Theerpu at the age of 18, beginning a legendary film career.
Founds Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI), a social welfare organization providing education, blood donation camps, and disaster relief.
Mersal releases with bold political undertones criticizing GST and demonetization, signaling Vijay's political voice.
Announces the formation of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and declares retirement from cinema.
TVK holds its first massive public meeting at Vikravandi, attended by nearly 8 lakh supporters.
Tamil Nadu goes to polls — records a historic 85.1% voter turnout.
Results declared: TVK wins 108 seats, emerges as the single largest party, shattering 59 years of Dravidian dominance.
C. Joseph Vijay is sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai.
The coalition government is backed by TVK (108 seats), Indian National Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML — commanding a combined strength of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly. The Governor has directed the new CM to seek a vote of confidence on or before May 13, 2026.