Chennai, May 10: In a dramatic political shift that has reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday amid massive fanfare at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.

The high-profile ceremony drew the presence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Vijay’s parents S.A. Chandrasekhar and Shobha, actor Trisha Krishnan, party workers and thousands of supporters.

Vijay’s first-ever cabinet under the banner of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) reflects an unusual blend of professionals, strategists and entertainers — including a basketball administrator, a dentist, a former IRS officer and a comedian.

‘Bussy’ Anand: Vijay’s Trusted Organiser

TVK General Secretary N Anand, popularly known as “Bussy” Anand, took oath as minister after winning from the T Nagar constituency. Considered one of Vijay’s closest associates, Anand played a major role in building the party from the ground up.

His nickname traces back to his 2006 victory from the Bussy constituency in Puducherry while representing Puducherry Munnetra Congress.

Keerthana Breaks a 70-Year Barrier

At just 29, S Keerthana created history by becoming the first woman MLA elected from Sivakasi, ending decades of male dominance in the constituency.

Before entering electoral politics, she reportedly worked alongside leaders including M.K. Stalin, Mamata Banerjee and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Basketball Administrator Turned Minister

Aadhav Arjuna, a prominent basketball administrator and president of the Basketball Federation of India, also joined Vijay’s cabinet.

Known for his political strategy skills, Arjuna had briefly served in the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) before moving closer to TVK. The Villivakkam MLA is also the son-in-law of businessman Santiago Martin and is widely credited with strengthening TVK’s organisational network.

Doctor Who Quit IRS for Politics

One of the most talked-about faces in the new cabinet is K G Arunraj, a former Indian Revenue Service officer and medical doctor.

Arunraj resigned from government service to join TVK and later became the party’s general secretary for policy and propaganda. He won from Tiruchengode constituency in Namakkal district with a comfortable margin.

An MBBS graduate from Madras Medical College, Arunraj previously served as a government medical officer in Krishnagiri district.

BJP’s Former IT Face Joins TVK Power Circle

R Nirmal Kumar, who once headed the BJP’s Tamil Nadu IT and social media wing, emerged as a key digital strategist for TVK after joining the party in 2025.

The engineering and law graduate won from Thirupparankundram in Madurai and reportedly played a major role in securing post-poll support from Left parties.

Actor-Comedian in Cabinet

Actor, television anchor and stand-up comedian A Rajmohan also found a place in the cabinet after winning from Egmore constituency.

Rajmohan had earlier served as TVK’s propaganda secretary and was among the prominent public faces campaigning for Vijay.

Lawyer and TVK’s ‘Brahmin Face’

TVK treasurer P Venkataramanan, a practising advocate, took oath after winning from Mylapore.

Seen as the party’s prominent Brahmin face, Venkataramanan had administered the oath to thousands of party cadres during TVK’s first state conference in 2024.

Dentist Who Defeated Seeman

Dentist-turned-politician Dr K T Prabhu pulled off a major upset by defeating Naam Tamilar Katchi founder Seeman in Karaikudi constituency.

Prabhu’s victory is being viewed as one of the most significant electoral gains for TVK in southern Tamil Nadu.

Soon after taking charge, Chief Minister Vijay signed key files to roll out some of TVK’s major election promises, including 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers and the formation of a special women’s safety force.