Chennai, India — May 10, 2026
In a major political development in southern India, actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a historic shift in the state’s political landscape. His rise to power, backed by the Congress party, has also revived discussions around his earlier interaction with senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The spotlight has returned to a 2009 meeting between Vijay and Gandhi, which had triggered widespread speculation about Vijay’s possible entry into the Congress party. At the time, reports suggested that Vijay was offered a leadership role in the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress following a one-hour meeting in New Delhi.
However, Vijay had promptly dismissed the speculation, clarifying that the meeting was purely a courtesy call. Speaking to the media then, he stated that his focus remained on cinema and that he had no immediate plans to enter politics or join any political party.
For over a decade after that meeting, Vijay continued to dominate Tamil cinema, delivering commercially successful films such as Thalaivaa, Mersal, Sarkar, and Master. These films often carried strong socio-political messages, fueling public curiosity about his political ambitions, even as he refrained from making any formal political move.
That changed on February 2, 2024, when Vijay officially launched his political party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), signaling his full-fledged entry into politics. Alongside the announcement, he revealed plans to gradually step away from films to focus entirely on public service. He also confirmed that his upcoming film Jana Nayagan would be his last.
The turning point came with the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the results of which were declared on May 4, 2026. TVK emerged as the single largest party, securing 108 seats in the 234-member विधानसभा, falling short of the 118-seat majority mark.
Following the results, Vijay met the Governor on May 6 and staked claim to form the government. He was asked to demonstrate majority support. With backing from the Congress party and several other allies, Vijay successfully secured the required numbers and was sworn in as Chief Minister.
His journey—from dismissing political speculation in 2009 to leading the state in 2026—marks a significant transformation, reflecting both evolving political dynamics in Tamil Nadu and the growing influence of celebrity-led political movements in India.
