MK Stalin takes oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in ceremony held under COVID shadow

Chennai: Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin, the DMK president who led his party to a huge victory in the Assembly polls was sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Friday. Governor Banwarilal Purohit administered the oath of office and secrecy to 68-year old Stalin, for whom this would be the first stint as CM, in a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhavan. AIADMK top leader O Panneerselvam, leaders from alliance parties including Congress’s P Chidambaram, MDMK chief Vaiko and top state officials took part in the ceremony. The ceremony witnessed adherence to COVID-19 guidelines including wearing masks. In the polls held for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, DMK swept past the majority mark to garner 133 seats, while alliance partner Congress won in 18 constituencies. AIADMK registered a victory in 66 seats, while the BJP opened its account in four seats.