Desk Correspondent , Chennai — Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday morning, marking the first time in nearly six decades that a leader outside the DMK or AIADMK has held the post. Vijay’s appointment followed a week of intense political negotiations after his party emerged as the single largest group with 108 seats, eventually crossing the 118-seat majority mark with the critical support of the Indian National Congress and several smaller parties.

The Congress party’s decision to provide post-poll support to the TVK effectively dissolved its long-standing alliance with the DMK and has drawn parallels to its historical strategy of backing emerging regional forces. By providing its five crucial seats to Vijay’s coalition, the Congress emphasized a commitment to a "secular and progressive" government aimed at keeping "communal forces" out of power. This move mirrors the party's past support for the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, strategies that analysts suggest reflect a recurring pattern of the "Grand Old Party" bolstering its own future regional competitors.

The new coalition, totaling 120 MLAs, includes the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML. While the Congress has sought an active share in the government, including ministerial berths, other allies like the VCK have offered unconditional support from the outside to prevent political instability or the imposition of President’s Rule. Following the ceremony at Nehru Stadium, which was attended by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Governor RV Arlekar has directed Chief Minister Vijay to seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly by May 13.