Tamil Nadu: Joseph Vijay to Take Oath as Chief Minister on Sunday evening as Governor gives nod to TVK

Chennai: TVK Chief Joseph Vijay is set to take the oath of office as Chief Minister on Sunday evening. The timing for the swearing-in ceremony was finalized late Saturday evening, following a meeting between the Governor and TVK Chief Vijay. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has scheduled the oath-taking for 3:15 PM. Consequently, Vijay will be sworn in as CM on May 10.

Under Vijay's leadership, the TVK secured 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Considerable political maneuvering ensued in Tamil Nadu after the TVK fell short of a simple majority. Vijay met with the Governor for the fourth time on the evening of May 9. Vijay has claimed the support of a total of 121 MLAs.

How Was Breakthrough Achieved in the Fourth Meeting?

TVK Chief Vijay will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at 3:15 PM on Sunday (May 10, 2026) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. During their fourth meeting on Saturday, the Governor acknowledged that the Vijay-led TVK possessed the necessary numbers to form the government. As soon as Vijay received unconditional support from the VCK and the IUML, he proceeded to meet the Governor once again. Leaders from the Congress, VCK, CPI (M), CPI, and IUML were also present during this meeting. Prior to this, upon learning that the TVK had secured the requisite majority, the Governor cancelled his scheduled visit to Kerala. According to his original itinerary, he was scheduled to travel to Kerala that evening.

Did Thol. Thirumavalavan Maintain Suspense Until the End?

Amidst a scenario where no single party in Tamil Nadu had secured a clear majority, VCK President Thol. Thirumavalavan kept the suspense alive. He handed over the letter of support to Adhav Arjun—a former party functionary and a close associate of Vijay. It was only after this step that the path to forming the government became clear. Following the receipt of this support, Adhav Arjun—General Secretary of the TVK and head of its election campaign management—wrote on X that Thol. Thirumavalavan—leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), his political mentor, and a distinguished leader—has extended his support. He noted that this move welcomes the "silent revolution" unfolding in Tamil Nadu through democratic means and endorses the monumental transfer of power that is soon to take place.

The Numbers Game in Tamil Nadu: What Do the Figures Now Show?

With the backing of the VCK and the IUML, Vijay's supporters have now crossed the 118-seat mark. Consequently, the number of parties allied with the TVK in Tamil Nadu has increased, while the DMK has suffered a setback. For the first time in decades, a party other than the traditional Dravidian parties is poised to form the government in Tamil Nadu. The TVK is currently being viewed as a major revolutionary force within the state. Vijay had founded the TVK two years ago. Following the receipt of support from the VCK, Vijay's supporters celebrated by setting off fireworks outside his residence in Chennai.