Vijay, Tamil Nadu Govt Take Over India’s iPhone Hub
Tamil Nadu has a new chief minister. He is also one of the biggest film stars in Indian history. And the state he now governs hosts some of the most strategically important factories in the global Apple supply chain.
How Vijay Formed the Tamil Nadu Government
South Indian film star C. Joseph Vijay’s party secured the support of smaller parties to reach a majority and form the government in Tamil Nadu, one of India’s most industrialised states and a key hub for automobile and iPhone production. Vijay, along with members of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar late on Saturday to stake a claim.
However, coalition arithmetic was tight. Support from the Indian National Congress, the Left parties, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi helped TVK cross the halfway mark in the 234-member assembly.
The result was historic. Vijay’s TVK won 108 seats in Monday’s Assembly election count, outpolling both Dravidian giants on its very first attempt at the ballot box. The party claimed approximately 35% of the popular vote.
Tamil Nadu is a major base for car and electronics exports, drawing significant foreign investment, including facilities linked to Apple’s iPhone assemblers.
In addition, the Vijay Tamil Nadu government enters office at a critical moment for Apple’s India strategy. Analysts expect policy continuity, as electronics, auto components, textiles, and leather are large employment generators.
Meanwhile, Apple is accelerating its shift away from China. It produced roughly 15% of its iPhones in India in 2025. Tamil Nadu is central to that shift. Therefore, the political stability Vijay delivers in his first months will directly influence whether Apple deepens its investment in the state.
What Vijay’s Election Victory Means Historically
Vijay’s rise to the top post comes after TVK’s strong debut in the 2026 state elections, which ended decades of alternating power between the DMK and the AIADMK. TVK became the first non-Dravidian party to take power in the state since 1967.
In addition, voter turnout set a record. April 23 polling across all 234 constituencies recorded a turnout of 85.1%, the highest ever for a Tamil Nadu assembly election.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attended the swearing-in ceremony. Along with Vijay, nine TVK leaders took the oath as ministers in the new government.
Therefore, the Vijay Tamil Nadu government is both a political milestone and an economic variable. Every investment decision Apple and its suppliers make in Tamil Nadu over the next five years will happen under this new political reality.
