TAMIL NADU: Indian film star C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday after his newly formed party secured a coalition to form government in the southern industrial state.
The swearing-in ceremony came after several days of political drama in Chennai, where Vijay’s fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) initially struggled to gain backing from smaller parties following the state elections.
Although TVK, founded just two years ago, emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu legislative assembly with 108 seats, it fell short of a simple majority.
However, the party later secured support from several other political groups, including the opposition Indian National Congress, increasing its total strength to 120 seats and enabling Vijay to claim the chief minister’s position.
On Sunday, thousands of supporters gathered at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, chanting “Mudhalvar” (chief minister in Tamil) as Vijay took his oath of office.
Addressing the crowd, the 51-year-old said, “I am not from a royal political background, just a common man.”
He added that his government’s main focus would be on basic public needs, including education, ration supplies, healthcare, drinking water, roads, and bus services.
Vijay also announced his initial policy priorities, which include steps to reduce electricity prices and strengthen women’s safety across the state.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay on his appointment, stating that the central government would work with his administration to “improve the lives of people”.
Vijay, who was born to a Christian father and Hindu mother, began his acting career as a child artist in 1984 in a film directed by his father.
He later became one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars, earning the nickname “Thalapathy,” meaning “leader,” due to his strong fan following and charismatic screen presence.
His films, often combining action, social themes, and populist messages, strengthened his image as a voice for ordinary citizens.
Over the years, he deliberately built a public persona through roles addressing issues such as farmers’ rights and electoral corruption.
He formally launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024 with promises to eliminate corruption and promote social justice.
Tamil Nadu, one of India’s major industrial hubs, has a strong manufacturing sector producing automobiles, electronics, and serving as a key base for smartphone production, including Apple iPhones.
TVK’s campaign also aimed to challenge the long-standing dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which have governed the state since the late 1960s.
Political analysts say Vijay’s massive fan base, along with growing youth demand for new leadership, played a key role in his electoral success.
Now a political newcomer, Vijay faces the challenge of transforming his popularity into effective governance.
His campaign rallies had drawn huge crowds of supporters but were also criticized after incidents of poor crowd control. In one rally in September, a stampede resulted in at least 40 deaths.
Despite the tragedy, it did not significantly reduce his popularity.
“When you have a cult, you don’t question at all,” political commentator Sumanth Raman told AFP following the election results.