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Chennai: In a historical political shift, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay (popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay) was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu today, Sunday, May 10, 2026. 

The ceremony, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, marks the end of nearly sixty years of alternating rule between the DMK and AIADMK.

Vijay, the founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), took the oath of office in a high-profile ceremony attended by thousands of supporters and key national leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. 

The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, administered the oath to the 51-year-old leader and nine other cabinet ministers.

Wishes Pour in from Celebs, Political Leaders

The film industry, which has long been a launchpad for Tamil Nadu’s political giants, erupted in celebration. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his congratulations and wrote, “Congratulations to Thiru C. Joseph Vijay on taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Best wishes for his tenure ahead. The Central Government will keep working with the Tamil Nadu Government to improve the lives of people.”

Leading the tributes was veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan, who has consistently championed a departure from traditional Dravidian politics.

Sharing his congratulations to Thalapathy Vijay after he took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Kamal Haasan posted on his X handle, "May the state of Tamil Nadu shine under the leadership of the president of the Tamil Nadu Victory League, the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, my brother Thiru. Vijay @TVKVijayHQ. May it reach new heights. I convey my heartfelt congratulations."

Lyricist Vivek, who also attended the swearing-in ceremony of Thalapathy Vijay at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, wrote on X, "Have been here countless times for My Man's audio launches. This feels completely different." 

Jana Nayagan actress Pooja Hegde took to her Instagram stories and wrote, “Woahhhh. @actorvijay... or as it should now say, Chief Minister Vijay. Sir.”

Actor Shanthnu Bhagyaraj, who also starred alongside C Joseph Vijay in the 2021 film Master, expressed his happiness, calling the moment "personal". Sharing a video of Vijay from his oath-taking ceremony, he wrote, "C. Joseph Vijay Enum Naan This feels personal na @actorvijay Congratulations."

RJ Balaji wrote, "C Joseph Vijay !!! This feels insane ..!!! Congratulations to you and to your cabinet of ministers…!!! Knowing you and your intentions, look forward to your inclusive and progressive government taking our glorious state to the next level !!! Wishing you only the best, sir! Godbless us all !!!"

Pawan Kalyan tweeted, "Heartfelt congratulations to TVK Vijay Chief Thiru AVL, on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and to all those who took oath as Ministers. I wish the new government would fulfil the aspirations of the people, ensure transparent and progressive governance, and lead Tamil Nadu towards greater growth and prosperity."

Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, tweeted, "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay, leader of the victorious Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, upon assuming this responsibility. I also welcome the announcements you have signed immediately upon taking office. Don't start saying right away that the government has no money. It does have it. What’s needed is the will to give it to the people and the ability to govern. For five years, we implemented countless welfare schemes for the people despite grappling with numerous issues like COVID and floods, as well as the neglect from the Union BJP government. You yourself mentioned in your very first speech the accusation that "the previous government left behind a debt of 10 lakh crore rupees and emptied the treasury"... The debt level of Tamil Nadu is within the permitted limits. We clearly explained the financial position of the Tamil Nadu government in the February budget itself. Didn't you know that? It was only after that you gave various promises to the people? Don't deceive the people who voted for you again and try to divert the issue! You, who came to power saying, "I will only give promises that are practically feasible," are now just stepping into government administration. I believe that, just like us, you too will surely learn soon the nuances of how to fulfil the promises made to the people. Along with the people who voted for you, I too expect the same. Once again, my best wishes for the growth journey of Tamil Nadu to continue under your rule!"

This is a developing story.