The first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly began on Monday morning in Chennai, marking the formal start of the new government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s historic rise to power in the state.
Vijay took the oath as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Tiruchirappalli East constituency. Other newly elected legislators also took the oath as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) at the Secretariat, while the crucial election for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will take place on Tuesday.
#WATCH | Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay takes oath as Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Perambur constituency
(Source: TNDIPR) pic.twitter.com/nJR6RyIcUA
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2026
The inaugural Assembly session assumes major political significance as TVK begins its first term in government following a dramatic electoral breakthrough that reshaped Tamil Nadu politics.
According to an official notification issued by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat, the first sitting of the newly constituted House commenced at 9.30 am in the Legislative Assembly Chamber at the Secretariat in Chennai. All newly elected members were directed to attend the session and carry their election certificates for the oath-taking ceremony.
MLAs from various parties, including Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), arrived at the Assembly premises for the swearing-in proceedings. The ceremony witnessed the participation of elected representatives, senior officials, and leaders from across the political spectrum.
DMK MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin also attended the Assembly session after being elected as the Leader of the DMK Legislature Party.
Speaker election to be held on Tuesday
The election for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is scheduled for Tuesday at 9.30 am, the Assembly Secretariat confirmed.
The Speaker’s election is expected to be the first major floor exercise in the newly elected House and is being closely watched for indications about the strength and cohesion of the ruling alliance as well as the Opposition’s strategy in the coming days.
Political observers view the exercise as a key constitutional step before the Vijay-led government fully settles into legislative functioning.
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections marked a major political transition in the state, with TVK winning 108 seats in its electoral debut and ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK-led formations. Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, who led the party’s campaign, was sworn in as Chief Minister after the results delivered one of the most significant verdicts in recent Tamil Nadu political history.
Vijay had contested the Assembly elections from Perambur in Chennai and Trichy East and secured victory in both constituencies. Following his appointment as Chief Minister, he chose to retain the Perambur seat and resigned from Trichy East, leaving one vacancy in the 234-member Assembly and paving the way for a by-election.
Pro Tem Speaker sworn-in
Ahead of the Assembly session, newly elected TVK leader MV Karuppaiah was sworn in as the Pro Tem Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay.
As Pro Tem Speaker, Karuppaiah will administer the oath to all newly elected MLAs during the opening session of the House.
The commencement of the Assembly proceedings marks the beginning of TVK’s legislative responsibilities as the party prepares to navigate governance for the first time after its landmark electoral victory.