For millions of fans who once worshipped him on the silver screen, Sunday felt like the climax of a story decades in the making. Amid thunderous chants of “Thalapathy… Thalapathy…”, actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay took oath as Tamil Nadu’s 18th Chief Minister, scripting one of the most emotional and dramatic political moments in the state’s recent history.

The historic swearing-in ceremony at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was more than a transfer of power, it was the fulfilment of a dream cherished by Vijay's supporters who had followed him from cinema halls to political rallies. With this victory, Vijay became the first politician from a non-Dravidian party to become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu since 1962 — breaking a political tradition that had shaped the state for over six decades.

Within minutes of assuming office, the new Chief Minister moved swiftly to send a message that his government intended to focus on welfare and governance. Vijay signed key files granting up to 200 units of free electricity for households consuming less than 500 units, announced the formation of a special women’s safety task force named “Singapen”, and ordered the creation of anti-narcotics units in every district and city across Tamil Nadu.

Image credit: India Today