Vijay becomes first leader outside DMK-AIADMK era to govern Tamil Nadu since 1967
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at 10 AM today in a historic political moment that reshapes the state’s decades-old political landscape.
With the oath-taking ceremony, Vijay will become the first leader outside the DMK-AIADMK political axis to govern Tamil Nadu since 1967, ending nearly six decades of uninterrupted dominance by the two Dravidian giants.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony alongside leaders from alliance parties and several prominent political figures.
The development comes after days of intense political negotiations and dramatic twists following the Assembly election results. Though TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, it initially fell short of the majority mark of 118.
Vijay subsequently secured outside support from multiple parties, taking the coalition’s strength to 120 and paving the way for government formation.
The Congress extended support with five MLAs, while the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) backed the TVK government with two MLAs each.
Following the numbers game, Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday to formally stake claim to form the government.
Sources said the Governor postponed a scheduled Kerala visit to complete the constitutional process surrounding the new government formation.
The Left parties described their support to TVK as an effort to prevent political instability and keep the BJP out of Tamil Nadu’s power structure. Notably, the CPI and CPI(M) decided to support the government without seeking ministerial berths.
The swearing-in marks a dramatic political breakthrough for Vijay, who transformed from cinema superstar to chief minister within a remarkably short political span.
Tamil Nadu’s political history has largely revolved around two towering Dravidian formations since 1967, when CN Annadurai led the DMK to power and ended Congress dominance in the state. A decade later, MG Ramachandran’s AIADMK displaced the DMK, establishing the two-party Dravidian era that continued for nearly 60 years.
Vijay’s rise now signals the emergence of a third major force in Tamil Nadu politics.
As per constitutional rules, Vijay will also have to vacate one of the two Assembly constituencies he won within 14 days.
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The most secular party is supporting VIJAY – IUML