From Film Actor to Governor of India’s Seventh Most Populous State: This Is the First Catholic to Reach a High-Ranking Position in a Hindu Country

(ZENIT News / Tamil Nadu, 06.03.2026) – India is governed by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to which the current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, belongs. This is a party that either persecutes Christians, encourages it, or turns a blind eye when it happens.

Hence, it is significant that on May 10th, a Catholic was sworn in as Governor of an Indian state, specifically Tamil Nadu, the seventh most populous state in the country, with 77 million inhabitants, whose capital is Chennai.

His name is Joseph Vijay.  He studied at Loyola College Chennai, and by profession has been an actor. He is a well-known film star who now holds the most important position in his state.

«Vijay studied at our University, and his mother frequently attended Mass on our campus,» Professor Gladstone Xavier, of Loyola College in Chennai, explained to EWTN News.

Hindu nationalists have tried to discredit him because of his faith. However, Vijay promoted a Christmas event in which he gave a speech linking himself to the biblical Joseph, who forgave his brothers and cared for them when he ruled Egypt. He stated that «Tamil Nadu is a mother; all her children are equal,» promising to govern for everyone, even those who did not support him.

In a state where film actors usually have huge fan bases, The Hindu newspaper highlighted on May 10 that, although TVK was founded just two years ago, it is supported by more than 80,000 fan clubs.

Speaking of Chennai

According to an ancient Christian tradition, the Apostle Saint Thomas arrived on the Malabar Coast, in what is now the state of Kerala, around 52 AD. He was martyred in Mylapore in 72 AD.

Tradition holds that this Apostle preached the Gospel in southern India. He founded several Christian communities. His remains are located near present-day Chennai, where they are venerated in his tomb in the Basilica of Saint Thomas.

Regarding Joseph Vijay, his election in 2026 was especially significant because he became the first Christian to govern Tamil Nadu, one of the most populous and influential states in India.

And he exercises a function similar to that of a regional Governor or President in other countries, being the highest political authority in the state.

The Support of Other Parties Was Vital

Vijay’s new political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), whose name means «Tamil Nadu Victory Party,» was founded in 2024. In its electoral debut, it surprised the Dravidian parties that had governed for almost six decades, winning 107 seats in the 234-member State Assembly.

Following the results, five smaller parties withdrew their support from the DMK and AIADMK coalitions to back the TVK, allowing it to surpass the necessary majority of 118 seats and leading the State Governor to invite Vijay to form a government on May 9.

Precisely because he was Catholic, Vijay did not go unnoticed by his political opponents, the Hindu nationalists, who attacked him with an argument that for many could be a sign of pride and courage: «Vijay is a Christian and bears the name Joseph.»

The Marian Shrine and Vijay’s Followers

Thousands of Vijay’s followers flocked to the Shrine of Vailankanni, known as the «Lourdes of the East,» awaiting his visit after the elections. The supporters remained during the night singing political slogans inside the enclosure, until the ecclesial authorities called for calm. Ultimately, Vijay canceled his visit upon learning of the disturbance.

Speaking to EWTN News, Father Vincent Chinnadurai, spokesman for the Tamil Nadu Catholic Bishops’ Council, said, «We are truly happy to have a Catholic Prime Minister.»

«For the people here, it is a cause for joy. We are the first major state in India with a Catholic Prime Minister, at a time when Christians are facing difficulties in other regions,» Father Chinnadurai added.

For his part, Archbishop George Antonysamy declared: «This is a historic event. We hope it will bring positive changes, as the Prime Minister has already made several promises.»

Among the first three measures Vijay has taken are electricity subsidies for the poor, the creation of a special Women’s Security Force, and another unit to combat drugs. He has also promised an administration «free of corruption» and that he «will not touch public money.»

Archbishop Antonysami welcomed these measures, although he noted that «everything will depend on his performance,» and that Vijay and most of his legislators are new to public administration.

From a Catholic perspective, it is interesting to note that some of the states with the strongest historical presence of Christianity are Kerala –where tradition attributes evangelization to Saint Thomas the Apostle –and several northeastern states, where Christian missions flourished during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Today, the arrival of Joseph Vijay to the government of Tamil Nadu represents a significant historical event for the public presence of Christians in India. And it is a cause for hope in a world in need of good news.