“This is a new beginning, new era,” Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Chandrasekar Joseph Vijay told his supporters after taking oath as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay was sworn in as Chief Minister after securing a majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly following five days of negotiations, four meetings with the Governor, and extensive talks with potential allies to cross the required majority mark of 118, reports NDTV.

The 51-year-old TVK leader, whose party won 108 seats in last month’s election, met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday and claimed the support of five MLAs from the Congress, two lawmakers from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and two each from the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

As Vijay was elected from two constituencies and will vacate one seat, the alliance’s effective strength stands at 120 MLAs.

His government marks the first non-DMK and non-AIADMK administration in nearly 60 years in Tamil Nadu.

Women’s Safety Top Priority: Vijay

Vijay assured women in Tamil Nadu that their safety will be a top priority.

“Immediate action will be taken against crimes targeting women,” he said.

“I promise the people of Tamil Nadu that I will never misuse even a single rupee of public money. I have not entered politics for wealth, and all of you know that very well. I will never allow corruption or permit anyone to make money through corrupt practices. This government will belong to the people, and together we will build a stronger and better Tamil Nadu,” Vijay told his supporters.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay on assuming office as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, “Best wishes for his tenure ahead. The Central Government will keep working with the Tamil Nadu Government to improve the lives of people,” he said in a post on X.

After taking oath, Vijay also recorded a video on his phone with Rahul Gandhi, TVK leaders, and supporters present at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar attended the event and was welcomed by Vijay.

How Vijay formed the government

Vijay initially received support from Congress, a DMK ally with five MLAs, and met the Governor on Wednesday staking claim to form the government. However, he was told that he needed more support.

He met the Governor again on Thursday after discussions with other parties but could not convince him that he had the required numbers.

“During the meeting, the Hon'ble Governor explained that the requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, essential for forming the government, has not been established,” Lok Bhavan said in a statement.

On Friday, Vijay received a major boost when the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), with two MLAs each, extended their support. This brought his alliance tally to 116, still two short of the 118 required for a simple majority.

He met the Governor again on Friday evening but failed to provide written proof of support from at least 118 MLAs.

On Saturday, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by Thol Thirumavalavan and a DMK ally, announced support for Vijay, taking the total to 118.

Subsequently, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which has two MLAs, also declared support, raising the coalition strength to 120 MLAs.