Vijay Sworn In as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

C. Joseph Vijay, the actor-turned-politician known as Thalapathy Vijay, was sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, marking the end of decades of alternating rule by the DMK and AIADMK parties. Actress Trisha Krishnan, a longtime co-star, attended the ceremony with her mother, Uma Krishnan, and drew widespread attention for her emotional reaction during Vijay's inaugural address.

Vijay took the oath before Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar amid cheers from thousands of supporters, party workers, and film personalities. He signed his first executive order, promising free electricity, action against drugs, and enhanced safety measures for women. In his speech, Vijay reflected on his humble origins, stating, "An assistant director's son has now become a chief minister. I know poverty and hunger. I didn't come from a royal family. I faced a lot of hardships." He also addressed the state's finances, noting a projected debt of Rs 10 lakh crore by March 2027 under the previous DMK administration, and pledged, "We will not take a single penny from people's funds and we will not allow anyone to loot the state."