Tamil Nadu witnessed a dramatic political transformation on Sunday as actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay took oath as the state’s new Chief Minister, bringing an end to nearly six decades of uninterrupted dominance by the DMK and AIADMK in state politics.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder was administered the oath of office by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in a ceremony attended by political leaders, film personalities and thousands of enthusiastic supporters.

With Vijay’s swearing-in, Tamil Nadu now has its first Chief Minister since 1967 who does not belong to either of the two major Dravidian parties that shaped the state’s political landscape for generations.

The 51-year-old leader, popularly known as “Thalapathy” among fans, completed a remarkable transition from cinema icon to head of government within a short span after launching his political party. His rise is being viewed as one of the most significant political developments in recent Tamil Nadu history.

TVK managed to secure the backing of 120 legislators, crossing the majority requirement in the 234-member Assembly after days of negotiations and intense political activity following the election results.

The breakthrough came after several opposition parties decided to support Vijay’s bid to form the government. Congress played a key role by distancing itself from the DMK-led camp and extending support to the TVK-led formation.

Apart from Congress, parties such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Communist Party of India (CPI) and CPI(M) also backed Vijay during the government formation process.

Although these parties have supported the new administration from outside, they are not officially part of the ruling coalition at this stage.

Governor Arlekar formally invited Vijay to form the government after he submitted letters of support confirming majority backing in the Assembly. An official communication from Raj Bhavan stated that Vijay informed the Governor about his unanimous election as leader of the TVK Legislature Party.

The road to government formation, however, was not smooth. Tamil Nadu witnessed four days of intense political uncertainty as discussions continued between opposition parties and TVK leaders over possible support arrangements.

Vijay reportedly held multiple meetings with the Governor during the week, but an invitation to form the government was delayed until the majority figures were fully verified.

Senior TVK figures, including veteran politician K A Sengottaiyan and strategist Aadhav Arjuna, were present during the final round of discussions at Raj Bhavan before the Governor’s invitation was issued.

The newly formed government will now face its first major test on the Assembly floor, where it has been directed to prove its majority before May 13.