Vijay Takes Oath as Tamil Nadu CM: Signs 200 Units Free Power as First File

Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday morning, marking a historic political shift in the state. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief took the oath in Tamil at a ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.

A brief interruption during oath

As Vijay began reciting the oath, he added a few extra words beyond the prescribed text. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar intervened briefly, asking him to read only what was written. The CM-designate nodded and continued without further interruption.

Rahul Gandhi shared the stage with Vijay during the ceremony. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha arrived in Chennai around 8:40 am and departed after the event.

Nine ministers take oath

Alongside Vijay, nine other MLAs from TVK took oath as ministers. The cabinet includes N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr KG Arunraj, KA Sengottaiyan, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr TK Prabhu, and Selvi S Keerthana. No MLA from any alliance partner found a place in the first cabinet.

First files signed

Soon after assuming office, Vijay signed his first set of official documents. The orders included 200 units of free electricity for households, formation of a special task force for women's safety, and an anti-drugs squad. The actor-turned-CM received a guard of honour at the secretariat shortly after.

The road to the chair

Vijay met Governor Arlekar for the fourth time on Saturday, submitting letters of support from MLAs of TVK, Congress, CPI, CPM, VCK and IUML. The Governor then invited him to form government. TVK, formed just two years ago, won 108 out of 234 seats in its first assembly election. This is the first time since 1967 that a non-Dravidian party has come to power in Tamil Nadu.

Celebrations and congratulations

TVK supporters burst firecrackers and distributed sweets outside Vijay's parents' residence and across several districts. Actor Trisha Krishnan attended the ceremony, while Kamal Haasan, MK Stalin, Naveen Patnaik, and PM Modi extended congratulations.

Clash breaks out between Congress, DMK workers in Mayiladuthurai

A physical altercation broke out between supporters of the Congress and the DMK in Tamil Nadu’s Mayiladuthurai town on Friday morning, adding a volatile edge to an already fluid political situation in the state. The scuffle, which lasted nearly 15 minutes, reportedly began over sloganeering outside a local party office. Police personnel intervened and dispersed the crowds. No formal complaints had been filed by late afternoon.

The clash comes at a time when the state capital Chennai is witnessing intense political realignments following an inconclusive assembly election verdict.

TVK threatens mass resignation over rival alliance

Suspense continues over whether actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) will be able to form the government. TVK has now issued a sharp warning: if the DMK and AIADMK — traditional rivals — come together to stake a claim, all TVK MLAs will resign from the House.

“Both Dravidian parties are attempting to sideline the single largest party. This is a conspiracy against public mandate,” a TVK functionary told reporters outside the party headquarters in Chennai.

According to sources aware of the developments, two meetings between DMK and AIADMK camps over the past 48 hours have fuelled speculation that a joint bid for power is being explored.

Governor’s stand, protests outside Raj Bhavan

Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Thursday rejected TVK chief Vijay’s claim to form the government for the second time, asking him to return with signatures of 118 MLAs to prove majority. However, the Governor has assured Vijay that no other party would be invited to form the government in the meantime.

On Friday morning, TVK supporters demonstrated outside Lok Bhavan, the Governor’s residence, raising slogans accusing the Governor of delaying the formation process. Police detained several protesters, who were released later in the day.

28 AIADMK MLAs shifted to Puducherry resort

In a significant development, 28 AIADMK MLAs — believed to be supporters of senior leader C.V. Shanmugam — have been lodged at a resort in Puducherry. The move is seen as an effort to prevent poaching attempts.

TVK chief Vijay currently needs six more MLAs to reach the majority mark. Sources indicate that talks are underway between TVK and the rebel AIADMK faction over portfolio allocations, including the deputy chief minister’s post. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami, however, is said to be opposed to any such understanding.

DMK passes four resolutions, targets Congress

At its legislative party meeting, the DMK passed four resolutions: thanking the people and allies, praising party president MK Stalin, authorising Stalin to take all necessary decisions, and — notably — criticising the Congress for breaking away from the Secular Progressive Alliance.

“Despite receiving one Rajya Sabha seat and 28 assembly seats under the DMK alliance, the Congress chose to part ways within days. This reveals their old political character,” a DMK resolution stated.

Public reactions, political uncertainty continues

Outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai, a young fan told reporters, “I want to see Vijay become Chief Minister.” Meanwhile, AIADMK MP M Thambidurai said public sentiment was in favour of his party returning to power.

CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar maintained that the single largest party must be invited to form the government. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also backed Vijay’s claim.

With the Governor yet to take a final call, and no party crossing the majority mark on its own, Tamil Nadu remains in a political limbo. All eyes are now on whether the DMK-AIADMK alliance materialises — and whether TVK follows through on its resignation threat.

Virugambakkam has become the center of attention in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, and for good reason. R. Sabarinathan, only 30 years old and the son of TVK chief Thalapathy Vijay’s longtime driver, just pulled off a victory that nobody saw coming. He went toe-to-toe with seasoned politicians and came out on top. There’s a WhatsApp photo making the rounds — it captures the sheer joy and celebration after his win.

Sabarinathan ran as a candidate for Vijay’s party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He secured 76,092 votes, beating his closest DMK competitor by over 27,000 votes. That’s huge, especially since this is TVK’s very first assembly election — and they’ve already become the single largest party.

But it’s more than just numbers. Giving Sabarinathan a ticket wasn’t just about politics. Vijay chose the son of his own driver, making a clear statement: it’s not about status, it’s about giving fresh faces a real shot. That move hit home for a lot of young people in Chennai, showing them that change isn’t just possible — it’s already happening.

TVK’s R. Sabarinathan just pulled off something pretty remarkable—he’s now the MLA from Virugambakkam, and what really makes this story stand out is that he’s the son of actor Vijay’s longtime driver. Not a political dynasty, not even a second-generation leader, just a regular guy making his first attempt, and winning big.

This election was TVK’s first try at the assembly, and Sabarinathan’s win has everyone talking. He survived 24 intense rounds of counting, with the numbers finally tipping in his favor. All those hours, watching the votes pile up, must’ve felt endless. His father has been driving Vijay around for years, and now his son’s making his own mark—inside the assembly, not behind the wheel.

Vijay, known for calling out political dynasties, promised to give real party workers a chance. Sabarinathan’s result seems like proof he meant it. Early in the count, Sabarinathan pulled ahead and just never let up. By the end, Election Commission numbers showed he had 76,092 votes. That put him ahead of DMK’s Prabhakara Raja AMV by a huge 27,086 votes. The AIADMK’s VN Ravi? He was way behind, with 38,767.

Chennai lit up with celebrations—TVK supporters poured into the streets, hugging, cheering, beating drums. “This isn’t just a win for a party; it’s a win for the man on the street,” one TVK volunteer shouted outside the counting hall.

When the final numbers came in, cameras caught Sabarinathan crying, totally overwhelmed. The clip’s all over social media now. Party leaders hugged him, and reporters say Vijay himself personally picked Sabarinathan to show that regular folks belong in the assembly, not just political insiders.

TVK’s approach—picking candidates with humble backgrounds—seems to be working. Young voters and the middle class, tired of the same old faces, are responding. The Virugambakkam result is the clearest sign TVK is shaking things up in Tamil Nadu.

Now, Sabarinathan gets ready to take his oath with the other new MLAs later this month. From the son of a driver to assembly member—his story already has people calling it the “fairytale” of the 2026 elections.

Tamil Nadu Records 82.24% Voter Turnout Till 5 PM; ‘CM Stalin Will Come to Power,’ Says DMK Candidate OPS; TVK Flags Lack of Transport for Voters

Tamil Nadu recorded a robust 82.24 per cent voter turnout by 5 pm on Thursday in the single-phase Assembly elections, with polling remaining largely peaceful across the state’s 234 constituencies. The Election Commission reported steady queues at urban and rural booths alike, though opposition parties raised logistical concerns.

Stellar Turnout Across Constituencies

Polling began at 7 am and continued uninterrupted. By 3 pm, the state had registered 70 per cent voting, which climbed sharply to 82.24 per cent two hours later. Chennai city trailed slightly with 54.58 per cent polling till 1 pm, but officials expect final numbers to cross 75 per cent after evening voting.

OPS Confident of DMK’s Return

Former Chief Minister and DMK candidate from Bodinayakkanur, O. Panneerselvam, expressed full confidence in his alliance’s performance. “The people have backed development and stability. Chief Minister Stalin will come back to power with a strong mandate,” Panneerselvam said after casting his vote. His statement signals DMK’s aggressive bid to retain control amid a multi-cornered contest.

TVK Submits Transport Complaint

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) General Secretaries N. Anand and Aadhav Arjuna met Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik on Thursday afternoon. They submitted a petition highlighting inadequate public transport to polling stations, especially in Chennai’s peripheral areas.

Earlier, TVK chief and actor Vijay had written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding two-hour extension of polling hours and immediate bus services for voters stranded at city terminals. The EC has not yet responded formally.

Celebrities and Elderly Lead by Example

Actor Rajinikanth cast his vote at a Chennai booth alongside wife Latha Rajinikanth. Kamal Haasan and Shruti Haasan were also seen exercising their franchise. In Coimbatore, a robot named ‘Tina’ dressed in traditional attire welcomed voters and offered sweets at Government Arts College.

An 85-year-old specially abled voter, Kandasamy, cast his ballot in Karur. A 110-year-old woman also turned up at her local polling station, underscoring high enthusiasm among senior citizens.

EVM Glitches and Security Arrangements

An EVM malfunction at an Avadi booth delayed voting by over an hour. Officials replaced the machine swiftly. Chennai Police Commissioner Abhin Dinesh Modak confirmed deployment of over 28,000 personnel, including Home Guards. “No untoward incident reported so far,” he said.

Visually impaired voter Chandrasekaran thanked the Election Commission for braille-enabled EVMs and wheelchair access. “We had planned a boycott but voted after officials assured improvements,” he told reporters.

What Next in Tamil Nadu Elections 2026

Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. With turnout crossing 82 per cent, political analysts expect a keen contest among DMK-led alliance, AIADMK, BJP, and TVK. The EC will release final turnout figures after postal ballot inclusions. Transport concerns raised by TVK may lead to formal show-cause notices to district officials.

As Tamil Nadu awaits results, the high participation signals strong public engagement in the democratic process. Officials urge voters to verify their names on electoral rolls before the next phase of national elections later this year.

DMK Promises ₹8,000 ‘Illatharasi’ Coupons; TVK Chief Vijay to File Nomination for Tamil Nadu Polls

The DMK manifesto targets women voters with major doles as actor-turned-politician Vijay prepares to contest from Perambur and Trichy, marking a high-stakes shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

The battle lines for the upcoming Assembly elections have been firmly drawn as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) unveiled its poll manifesto, headlined by a significant welfare promise for women. Simultaneously, Tamil Nadu politics is witnessing a seismic shift as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay is set to file his nomination today, even as the Election Commission of India (ECI) carries out a massive administrative overhaul in West Bengal.

DMK’s mega welfare push

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released the DMK manifesto on Sunday, centering the party’s campaign on the ‘Illatharasi’ coupon scheme. Under this initiative, women heads of households who do not fall within the income tax bracket will receive a ₹8,000 coupon. These coupons are intended for the purchase or exchange of essential household appliances, including televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines.

Expanding existing social nets

The ruling party has also committed to doubling the monthly financial assistance for women under the ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam’ from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000. Furthering its healthcare agenda, the DMK promised to hike the state’s health insurance limit to ₹10 lakh. Party leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi termed the manifesto a "superstar," noting that the breakfast scheme for students would now be extended up to Class 8.

Vijay enters the fray

In a move that has electrified the state’s youth, TVK chief Vijay released his party’s full list of candidates for all 234 seats. The actor is scheduled to file his nomination from the Perambur constituency in Chennai and Trichy (East) today. Terming this a “generational election,” Vijay’s platform includes a drug-free Tamil Nadu, student loans up to ₹20 lakh without guarantees, and unemployment allowances for graduates.

Bengal police reshuffle ordered

While the southern states gear up for polling, the Election Commission has taken stern action in West Bengal. The poll body ordered the immediate transfer of officers-in-charge at 173 police stations across the state. Notably, the Bhawanipur station, situated in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s constituency, has been handed over to Soumitra Basu of the Special Task Force (STF) to ensure impartial polling.

Political war of words

The administrative changes have triggered a fresh row between the TMC and BJP. Leader Dilip Ghosh alleged that the state government is obstructing Central welfare schemes, claiming minorities and tribal communities remain neglected. Conversely, CM Mamata Banerjee dismissed these allegations, suggesting that the recent spate of violence in areas like Murshidabad was exacerbated by the ECI's sudden transfer of seasoned police officials.

Shifting dynamics in Kerala

The electoral fever has also gripped Kerala, where Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address public rallies today. However, reports suggest a growing sense of disillusionment among young voters. In districts like Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, first-time voters have expressed hesitation, with some contemplating the NOTA option, citing a perceived lack of distinction between the major political fronts.

Impact and future outlook

The DMK’s focus on direct benefit transfers via coupons is seen as a strategic move to counter anti-incumbency, though the AIADMK has already labeled it a "commission-driven" scheme. As Vijay begins his campaign today, the three-way contest in Tamil Nadu—coupled with the administrative tightening in Bengal—indicates that the April elections will be a definitive test of regional leadership and federal oversight.