PoliticsContemporary Tamil Nadu
· Chennai
Actor and DMDK founder Vijayakanth, a former Leader of the Opposition, died in Chennai.
Vijayakanth, a popular film actor who founded the DMDK in 2005 and served as Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly from 2011 to 2016, died in Chennai on 28 December 2023. He had been in poor health for several years. He was buried with state honours at the DMDK headquarters in Koyambedu. His wife Premalatha Vijayakanth led the party after him.
C. Rajagopalachari, once Governor-General, Chief Minister of Madras and founder of the Swatantra Party, died in Madras at 94.
Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa died at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, after a 75-day hospitalisation; O. Panneerselvam was sworn in the same night.
DMK wins 2021 election; M. K. Stalin becomes Chief Minister
The DMK-led alliance won the 2021 Assembly election and M. K. Stalin was sworn in as Chief Minister for the first time.
Assembly passes NEET exemption bill
The Assembly passed a bill to admit students to medical courses on Class 12 marks instead of NEET, and re-passed it after the Governor returned it.
Vijay founds Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam
Film actor Vijay launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, announcing he would leave cinema for politics.
TVK wins most seats in 2026; Vijay becomes Chief Minister
In its first election the TVK became the largest party with 108 seats, and C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as Chief Minister with the support of allies.
