Tamil Nadu Awaits Vijay’s Next Role: This Time as Chief Minister

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured enough support to cross the majority mark in the Assembly, triggering emotional celebrations among supporters gathered outside the party headquarters in Panaiyur.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections with 108 seats, short of the 118 required for a majority in the 234-member House. The deadlock eased after Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and later Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) extended support, taking the alliance tally to around 118-120 MLAs .

As news of the Left parties’ backing spread on Friday, scenes of jubilation erupted among supporters who had been camping outside the headquarters for days. A group of women supporters from Kerala’s Idukki district, some reportedly battling fever, said they had waited sleeplessly for clarity on TVK’s future.

The celebrations reflected the emotional connection many supporters drew between Vijay’s rise and Tamil Nadu’s cinematic-political legacy associated with leaders like M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. Younger supporters described the result as a rejection of traditional Dravidian political dominance .

The election proved particularly damaging for the DMK led by M. K. Stalin, with TVK reportedly winning 14 of 16 seats in Chennai district . In a major upset, TVK also captured Stalin’s stronghold of Kolathur.

The government formation process turned contentious after Governor Rajendra Arlekar initially delayed inviting Vijay to form the government and sought proof of majority support. Amid the uncertainty, a TVK functionary moved the Supreme Court of India seeking directions to the Governor for a floor test and immediate invitation to TVK.

The political churn also impacted the opposition camp, with senior AIADMK leader C. V. Shanmugam resigned from the Rajya Sabha during the unfolding crisis.

Vijay is expected to meet the Governor again to formally stake claim to power and is likely to be sworn in as Chief Minister shortly, marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape .