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Tamil Nadu's newly-elected chief minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won a much-anticipated confidence vote in the southern state's legislative assembly, proving that his government had the support of the required majority.

 

A total of 144 legislators in the 234-member assembly voted in favor of Vijay's government. 

 

While 22 MLAs voted against the confidence motion, five legislators abstained during the proceedings. 

 

Who is Vijay and his TVK party?
 

Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)  emerged as the single largest party in Tamil Nadu's state polls held on April 23 with 108 seats in its bag but was short of 10 seats to make the majority mark. 

 

The actor-turned-politician was sworn-in as chief minister last Sunday after support from allies gave his party the numbers to form the government.

 

Vijay quit acting to foray into politics, launching the TVK in 2024.

 

The April poll marked the party's debut election.

 

Vijay's political arc resembles his acting career, where he rose from facing criticism in his early years to garnering a massive fanbase.

 

With the election win, Vijay changed the political landscape of Tamil Nadu by putting an end to an almost 60-year duopoly of Dravidian parties, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

 

What happened at the confidence vote?
 

Wednesday's confidence vote was also high on drama, much like Vijay's movies.

 

Around 25 legislators from rival AIADMK voted in support of the TVK government. 

 

Vijay expressed gratitude to those who backed his government as he addressed the assembly and described his administration as a "government of the common people".

 

"Within three years of starting the party, by a very small margin, by a thread, the absolute majority was slightly missed. Therefore, if anyone thinks of this government as a minority government, we are happy with that too. We say it ourselves: this is a minority government. It is a government that truly establishes safety for minority people," he said.

 

The leader went on to say his government was formed for all people, including women, children, the elderly, youth, government employees, teachers, and the working class.