C Joseph Vijay’s cinematic persona was on full display on Sunday as the actor-turned politician was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu here.
An image of one of his heroic on-screen characters, the CM-designate and the president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) arrived at his oath-taking ceremony clad in a black suit, doing away with the customary traditional white shirt and dhoti attire of yesteryear politicians.
In a first for a political event in the state, the ceremony both began and concluded with a rendition of India’s national song, Vande Mataram. The national anthem and the state song Tamil Thai Valthu was also sung at the event.
Unlike the conventional reading of a formal oath, Vijay, after the Governor’s cue, launched into a fiery address, having memorised it word by word, to a crowd that was smitten by every word of his. Unlike the past, his oath was also accompanied by whistles and hoots - a phenomena that has become synonymous with the actor’s presence.
The Cabinet of ministers who took oath with the CM was a series of first-timers and also included a woman minister.
In a novel move, CM Vijay also came back to the stage for a speech after sending off the Governor.
C Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Government. | Photo Credit: Bijoy Ghosh
‘A friend, a brother, a son’
Speaking directly to the people who voted for him, he called himself an ordinary man who is a friend, a brother and a son to the people of Tamil Nadu. Thanking his alliance partners, TVK functionaires and the people of Tamil Nadu for this mandate, Vijay said it’s the beginning of a new era of secularism and social justice in the state.
In an ode to his young supporters, the new Chief Minister also whipped out his phone to take a selfie with the crowd, drawing another thunderous applause as many flocked towards the stage, pushing the crowd control arrangements, to be pictured with the superstar.
Joined by Congress MP and leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi on stage, the ceremony concluded with the duo raising their hands in a show of strength.
While it remains to be seen what Vijay and TVK has planned for Tamil Nadu, it is fair to say that the novice politician has started off his rule in as cinematic a fashion as ever seen before.
Published on May 10, 2026