Politics – Tamil Nadu Sees Political Shift as Vijay Takes Chief Minister Oath
Politics – Tamil Nadu witnessed a major political realignment on Sunday as actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay officially assumed office as the state’s new Chief Minister, while fresh political tensions emerged over Congress’ changing alliances in southern India.
The political developments sparked sharp criticism from Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, who accused the Congress party of pursuing power through opportunistic alliances rather than ideological commitments. Speaking to reporters, Nirupam claimed the party frequently shifts its political stand depending on the changing balance of power in different states.
Congress Targeted Over Tamil Nadu Alliance Shift
Nirupam questioned the Congress party’s decision to back C. Joseph Vijay and his party TVK after maintaining a long-standing alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for several years. According to him, Congress quickly altered its political strategy once TVK emerged as a strong electoral force in Tamil Nadu.
He alleged that the party has historically aligned itself with whichever political formation appears capable of forming the government. Nirupam also referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attending Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony as proof of the party’s changing political loyalties.
Rahul Gandhi Extends Support to Vijay
Soon after Vijay took oath as Chief Minister, Rahul Gandhi congratulated him publicly through a message on X. Gandhi described the political outcome in Tamil Nadu as the rise of a “new generation” and praised voters for choosing a fresh direction for the state.
In his statement, Gandhi wished Vijay success in meeting the expectations of Tamil Nadu’s people and expressed confidence in the state’s new leadership. The Congress party’s support proved important for TVK after the regional party fell short of securing an outright majority in the Assembly elections.
Historic Victory Changes Tamil Nadu Politics
Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Assembly election delivered one of the most significant political transformations in the state’s recent history. TVK secured 108 seats in its very first electoral contest, disrupting the decades-long dominance of both the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Vijay, widely known among supporters as “Thalapathy,” has rapidly emerged as a powerful political figure in the state. Political observers have drawn comparisons between his rise and that of former actor-turned-Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran, who reshaped Tamil Nadu politics decades ago.
Despite becoming the single largest party, TVK did not secure a majority on its own. The party later received support from Congress, CPI-M, CPI, VCK and IUML, allowing Vijay to comfortably form the government.
Congress Faces Questions in Kerala
Nirupam also criticized Congress over uncertainty surrounding leadership selection in Kerala despite the party-led UDF alliance recording a decisive electoral victory. The alliance secured 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly, with Congress winning 63 constituencies.
Several senior leaders, including V. D. Satheesan, K. C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, are reportedly being considered for the Chief Minister’s post. However, the party has not yet officially announced its final choice.
High Command Yet to Finalise Kerala Leadership
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph recently clarified that the final decision regarding the Chief Minister would be made by the Congress high command in New Delhi. The delay has intensified political discussions within the state and provided rivals with an opportunity to question the party’s internal decision-making process.
Nirupam further accused Congress of lacking ideological consistency and long-term political loyalty. He argued that the party’s alliances often change according to electoral convenience and access to power rather than stable political principles.
The recent developments in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have added a fresh dimension to political debates across southern India, particularly regarding coalition politics, regional leadership and the future role of Congress in state-level alliances.