Actor Vijay Sworn In as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Tamil cinema superstar C. Joseph Vijay has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after his TVK party won the state's 2026 elections. Another example of the actor-to-state-leader path in Indian politics, Vijay takes office on promises of economic reform and an anti-corruption drive.
C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at a ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The actor's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), beat the DMK and AIADMK to win a majority in the state assembly elections held in March. Vijay listed accelerated industrialisation and an anti-corruption drive as his priority policies.
In his inaugural speech, Vijay said Tamil Nadu would step up automotive supply-chain investment. The state's Chennai-based manufacturers play a key role in India's electric-vehicle export targets. The new chief minister also announced that a draft framework law to deepen university-industry cooperation is in preparation.
At the national level, Vijay's election confirms the rise of regional parties against BJP rule. Many analysts say that the return of a film star to the top of Tamil Nadu's political stage proves the populist wave in Indian politics is far from spent. Tamil cinema stars including Trisha Krishnan attended the ceremony.
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