Thalapathy Vijay Breaks 60-Year Tradition: Takes Oath as Tamil Nadu CM in Modern Attire

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Chennai : Marking a historic departure from six decades of political dominance by the DMK and AIADMK, Thalapathy Vijay has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. By leading his newly formed party, TVK, to power, Vijay has shattered long-standing political records in the state. Beyond the political victory, his choice of attire during the ceremony drew significant attention. While it is customary for South Indian leaders to wear a traditional white shirt and dhoti for such occasions, Vijay opted for a formal black suit. This sartorial choice is being viewed as a symbolic move to distance himself from traditionalist labels and project a modern, progressive image.

Clad in a white shirt, black trousers, and a suit with formal shoes, the actor-turned-politician maintained a cinematic yet professional look. This shift is notable as almost all former Chief Ministers, including legends like M.G. Ramachandran, M. Karunanidhi, and more recent leaders like O. Panneerselvam, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and M.K. Stalin, consistently chose traditional Tamil garments for their swearing-in ceremonies. By choosing formal western wear, Vijay appears to be signaling that his administration will function with a contemporary mindset, echoing previous instances of political style-breaking, such as Arvind Kejriwal’s preference for casual shirts over traditional white political garb.

Vijay’s party, the TVK, secured 107 seats in the assembly. To reach the required majority of 118 seats to form the government, the TVK garnered crucial support from several allies, including the Congress (5 seats), CPI (2 seats), CPI-M (2 seats), VCK (2 seats), and IUML (2 seats). This coalition marks the beginning of a new era in Tamil Nadu politics, driven by youth appeal and a promise of systemic change.