Thalapathy’s first stand: Vijay prepares for May 13th litmus test as Udhayanidhi takes guard

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is set to commence its new term today with the swearing-in ceremony of elected members. In a significant move, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has appointed TVK’s M.V. Karuppiah as the Pro-tem Speaker to oversee the proceedings.

Following the recent electoral shift, DMK leader and former Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin is slated to take charge as the Leader of the Opposition. Meanwhile, Chief Minister-designate Vijay has officially vacated the Tiruchirappalli East seat, choosing to represent the Perambur constituency. The new administration faces its first major hurdle on May 13th, the deadline for Vijay to prove his majority on the floor of the House.

The proposed cabinet reflects a strategic blend of seasoned experience and fresh faces. Vijay has prioritised core loyalists from his 'Vijay Makkal Iyakkam' days while balancing complex caste dynamics and regional representation.

• Key Appointments: General Secretary Bussy Anand is expected to be the number two in the hierarchy. The induction of veteran politician K.A. Sengottaiyan—a former minister in the MGR and Jayalalithaa eras—brings much-needed administrative weight to the fledgling government.
• Diverse Profiles: The lineup includes Aadhav Arjuna, former BJP hand Nirmal Kumar, and Arun Raj, an IRS officer turned politician.
• Youth & Media: The cabinet also features media personality Raj Mohan and Keerthana, who is poised to become one of the state's youngest-ever ministers.