Tamil Actor-Politician Joseph Vijay Sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
Islamabad: Popular Indian actor and founder of the political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Joseph Vijay, was sworn in on Sunday as the 17th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Soon after taking office, Vijay approved three major policy decisions and strongly emphasized secularism, minority rights, and social justice.
According to Indian media reports, the 51-year-old superstar, who has acted in more than 65 films and is regarded as one of the highest-paid actors in the Tamil film industry, led his party to a historic victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and was attended by several prominent personalities, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, fellow actors, and Vijay’s family members.
Immediately after assuming office, Vijay signed official documents approving three major initiatives:
Free electricity for domestic consumers up to 200 units
Formation of a special rapid response force for women’s safety
Establishment of a dedicated anti-drug task force, including “protection zones” around schools and colleges
In his first address as Chief Minister, Vijay stated that his government would focus on education, healthcare, water supply, farmers, and fishermen. He also reaffirmed his commitment to secular values and social justice.
थलापति विजय ने CM बनने के 10 मिनट में 3 फैसले लिए
1. 200 यूनिट बिजली फ्री
2. ड्रग्स की समस्या के लिए स्पेशल टास्क फोर्स
3. महिलाओं की सुरक्षा के लिए स्पेशन टास्क फोर्स pic.twitter.com/h9gkmzUQ9H— Ranvijay Singh (@ranvijaylive) May 10, 2026
“Muslims are my brothers. I will not allow religion to be used as a political card,” Vijay declared, adding that his government would stand equally with Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
He thanked members of the Indian Union Muslim League for supporting his government formation and stressed that religious discrimination would not be tolerated under his administration.
Speaking emotionally during the ceremony, Vijay said:
C Joseph Vijay, the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, introduced himself as a "common man" in his first address after taking oath in Chennai today. He drew attention to what he called his roots as somebody not from any royal lineage, which was the reason why the people accepted… pic.twitter.com/bverWQ4qj1
— NDTV (@ndtv) May 10, 2026
“Today, the son of an assistant director has become Chief Minister. I have seen poverty and hunger. I do not come from a royal family.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay issues a strong warning during his swearing-in speech in Chennai. Vijay says he will not allow any wrongdoing in his government and stresses that he will be the sole power centre in his government.#vijay #tamilnadu #cmvijay #tvk… pic.twitter.com/eOlBSGwpHk
— The Federal (@TheFederal_News) May 10, 2026
Vijay also pledged transparency and accountability, saying his government inherited a debt burden of nearly 10 lakh crore rupees but promised not to waste public money.
Before entering politics full-time, Vijay dominated the Tamil film industry for decades. His father, S. A. Chandrasekhar, is a well-known Tamil film director, while his mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, is a singer.
His party, TVK, is built on the principles of secularism, social justice, and Tamil nationalism. Vijay had announced his retirement from films ahead of the 2026 elections to focus entirely on politics and public service.
Vijay also made history by becoming the first leader since 1967 to break the long-standing dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu politics.
Although TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member assembly, it fell short of the required majority of 118 seats. Later, support from Congress and regional allies increased the coalition’s strength to 120 seats. Vijay’s government is now expected to face a crucial trust vote in the assembly before May 13.
