On the day of polling in Tamil Nadu (April 23, 2026), a senior civil servant, serving in New Delhi, visited Chennai to attend a wedding. At the marriage hall, what he heard was a loud message in favour of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder C. Joseph Vijay. The official was surprised as he was under the impression that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) would coast to victory.

On the same day, a Madurai-based activist, who helps students prepare for competitive examinations, went to his native village near Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district to cast his vote. When he met youngsters in the village and enquired about their choice, the only reply that came was: “Vijay, Vijay, and Vijay.”

Nine Ministers of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) are expected to be sworn in on Sunday (May 10, 2026) in Chennai, along with party president and Chief Minister-designate C. Joseph Vijay.

Among those likely to take the oath is Mr. Vijay’s close confidante ‘Bussy’ N. Anand, who was elected from the Theagaraya Nagar (T. Nagar) constituency.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in ceremony LIVE

From Puducherry to Tamil Nadu Assembly

N. Anand, popularly known as ‘Bussy’ Anand, is the general secretary of the TVK and a trusted aide of its founder, C. Joseph Vijay. He is set to enter the Tamil Nadu Assembly as a MLA from T. Nagar in Chennai.

The 61-year-old MLA-elect had earlier served as a legislator in the Puducherry Assembly, representing the Bussy constituency. He won the seat in 2006 as a nominee of the Puducherry Munnetra Congress, a party founded by P. Kannan, former Speaker of the Union Territory.

This is possibly the first instance of the Tamil Nadu Assembly including a member who has previously served as a legislator in another Assembly.

Vijay Rasigar Mandram president

Mr. Anand had also served as president of the Vijay Rasigar Mandram in Puducherry, where he organised welfare initiatives. During this period, he came into close contact with Mr. Vijay and later became a founding office-bearer of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam when it was launched two years ago.

Since then, he has been coordinating Mr. Vijay’s political outreach, including election campaign meetings.

Karur stampede case

The Karur Town police registered a case against Mr. Anand and two others in connection with the stampede at a party meeting addressed by actor Vijay at Velusamypuram in Karur district on September 27, 2025, in which 41 persons were killed.

Mr. Anand was also questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation, which is probing the incident.