Bhubaneswar, May 10: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo congratulated C. Joseph Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on taking oath as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, called it a significant political shift in the state.
Singh Deo said, “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Vijay on becoming the CM of Tamil Nadu. I wish him all the best and success in his tenure.”
He highlighted the end of the decades-long dominance of Dravidian parties AIADMK and DMK, adding, “After a long time, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a change, with a third force coming to power.” Reflecting on the state’s history of actors entering politics, Singh Deo remarked, “Tamil Nadu has often seen film stars become Chief Ministers. Many have been successful, and I believe Vijay will also achieve success in his efforts.”
Earlier today, Vijay was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at the historic Fort George in Chennai. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay and nine cabinet ministers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The 51-year-old leader officially assumed office at the Civil Secretariat, where he was greeted with a grand reception by senior officers and employees, including a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
In his first address as Chief Minister, Vijay thanked the people of Tamil Nadu and called for a “new era” of governance based on secularism and social justice. “Come, let us together give Tamil Nadu a fresh new government. This is the start of a new era rooted in secularism and social justice,” he said amid cheers from supporters and party workers.
Vijay emphasized his humble background and pledged honest governance. “I am not a divine messenger or prophet. I am an ordinary person. I will never make false promises, only achievable commitments,” he stated.
Addressing young supporters who affectionately call him “Vijay Mama,” he promised to work for their welfare and future. He also thanked alliance partners Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and VCK for helping TVK secure a majority in the Assembly. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi attended the ceremony, alongside senior leaders from the alliance.
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections marked a historic debut for TVK, which won 108 seats, ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. Popularly known as ‘Thalapathy,’ Vijay’s political rise has drawn comparisons to former Chief Minister and actor MG Ramachandran.
