Vijay, president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is set to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at 10 am at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, ending days of political uncertainty following the Assembly election results announced earlier this week. The actor-turned-politician managed to secure the required majority after intense negotiations and multiple meetings with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Vijay, 51, met the governor on Saturday and formally submitted letters of support from several parties and independent allies.

TVK had won 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly in last month’s elections, falling short of the majority mark of 118. However, Vijay succeeded in gathering support from five MLAs of Indian National Congress, two lawmakers each from Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Indian Union Muslim League, along with two MLAs from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.

Since Vijay won from two constituencies and will vacate one seat, the alliance’s effective strength currently stands at 120 MLAs, comfortably above the majority mark.

Historic Shift in Tamil Nadu Politics

Vijay’s swearing-in marks a major political shift in Tamil Nadu, which has largely been dominated by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for nearly six decades.

Supporters gathered outside the venue as Vijay arrived to take oath as the state’s new chief minister.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also reached the venue. Congress played a crucial role in helping TVK cross the majority mark after winning five seats in the election.

DMK Says Stalin Helped Avoid Constitutional Crisis

According to DMK spokesperson A Sarvanan, outgoing Chief Minister M K Stalin played an important role in convincing allies to support Vijay’s government in order to avoid political instability in the state.

“Congratulations to the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Vijay. He has been able to become the chief minister with the help of DMK allies. Our leader MK Stalin does not want a constitutional crisis and he persuaded allies (to join hands with the TVK) after extensive consultations,” Sarvanan said.

At the same time, the DMK leader criticised Congress for quickly shifting support from its INDIA bloc ally DMK to TVK. Sarvanan claimed Congress managed to win its five seats only because of the hard work done by DMK workers during the election campaign.

Vijay’s rise to power marks one of the biggest political changes in Tamil Nadu in recent decades and signals the arrival of a new force in the state’s political landscape.