Rahul Gandhi hails 'new generation' as Vijay becomes Tamil Nadu CM

Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the 13th CM of Tamil Nadu after his TVK party's historic debut win. Rahul Gandhi, who attended the ceremony, hailed it as a 'new generation' for the state's politics.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday extended his wishes to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay after he took the oath of office, saying the state had opted for a "new generation" and a "new imagination".

In a post on X, Gandhi wrote, "Tamil Nadu has chosen. A new generation. A new voice. A new imagination." He added, "My good wishes to Thiru Vijay - may he fulfil the hopes of the people of Tamil Nadu." Tamil Nadu has chosen. A new generation. A new voice. A new imagination. My good wishes to Thiru Vijay - may he fulfil the hopes of the people of Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/sp8FsMLBOb — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 10, 2026

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi attended the ceremony along with leaders of Congress, CPI, CPI(M) and VCK, parties that extended support to TVK to help it cross the majority mark in the Assembly.

Vijay also thanked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party general secretary KC Venugopal for their support.

Vijay Takes Charge as 13th TN CM

During the oath-taking ceremony, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay added a personal cinematic flourish with a selfie moment with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

CM Vijay officially assumed charge at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in Chennai on Sunday, shortly after taking oath as the 13th Chief Minister of the state following TVK's historic electoral victory.

Upon his arrival at the Civil Secretariat, Vijay was welcomed with a grand reception by senior officers and government employees. The newly sworn-in Chief Minister also received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Secretariat before entering the premises to formally begin his tenure.

Visuals from Chennai showed Vijay acknowledging the honour and greeting officials gathered at the venue.

This morning, Tamil Nadu witnessed a major political transition as Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay and nine ministers of his cabinet at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

A 'New Era' of Governance

In his first speech as Chief Minister, Vijay thanked the people of the State for placing their trust in him and called for a "new era" of governance based on secularism and social justice.

"Come, let all of us together give Tamil Nadu a fresh new government. This is a new beginning, the start of a new era of secular, social justice," he said amid loud cheers from supporters and party workers.

The actor-turned-politician stressed his humble roots and assured the public that he would remain committed to honest governance. "I am not some divine messenger or prophet. I am just an ordinary human being living a normal life. I will never deceive you with false promises. I will only promise what is possible," Vijay said.

He also emotionally addressed his supporters and young voters, saying, "I do not come from a royal family. I am just like your son, your daughter, your elder brother or your younger brother." Referring to children and Gen Z supporters who fondly call him "Vijay Mama," he promised to work for their future and welfare.

TVK's Historic Debut Election

The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections marked a historic shift in state politics as TVK won 108 seats in its debut election, ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK formations. Popularly known as 'Thalapathy', Vijay's rise has drawn comparisons with former Chief Minister and actor MG Ramachandran. (ANI)

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