3 min read May 12, 2026 06:15 AM IST First published on: May 12, 2026 at 06:15 AM IST The victory of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) marks one of the most dramatic electoral breakthroughs in recent history, riding on a powerful anti-incumbency wave and an appeal that cut across sections of the youth and the politically disillusioned. The message from the electorate was unmistakable: Tamil Nadu wants change. Delivering on the promise of a departure from the same-old will also be Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s biggest challenge. The euphoria that surrounded his swearing-in ceremony — the crowds and the emotional fervour — has set the stage. By visiting his rivals in victory’s aftermath, the new CM has made a heartening beginning. His second challenge comes from his inexperience, his own, as well as the two-year-old TVK’s. Stardom and charisma can carry a leader to office, but running a state will require more.…