Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai
Chennai, May 8: In a historic political earthquake in Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay is set to take oath as the state's next chief minister at 11 am on Saturday, May 9.
This comes after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single-largest party and successfully secured a majority in the assembly elections, ending the decades-long dominance of the traditional Dravidian heavyweights in the state's political landscape.
According to the latest election results and government formation updates, the TVK comfortably crossed the halfway mark, dealing a massive electoral blow to the incumbent M K Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). To consolidate its position and cross the majority mark, TVK reportedly secured outside support from the Congress, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Left parties.
Following the decisive mandate, Vijay held multiple rounds of discussions with state governor Rajendra Arlekar over government formation before formally staking his claim with the support of allied legislators. Meanwhile, outgoing chief minister M K Stalin is expected to formally tender his resignation, paving the way for a smooth transition of power.
The grand swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held in Chennai in the presence of senior political leaders, party workers, and invited guests. Security arrangements have been tightened across the city ahead of the event, as large gatherings of supporters and party cadre are expected to flock to the capital to celebrate the monumental victory.
With this, Tamil Nadu is posised to see its first-ever coalition government and the first non-DMK/non-AIADMK government since 1967.
The phenomenal rise of TVK marks a watershed moment in Tamil Nadu's political history, signaling a clear mandate from the public for a change in leadership and a definitive departure from the traditional bipolar contests between the DMK and AIADMK.