Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder C. Joseph Vijay signed a series of major welfare and governance measures immediately after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking the beginning of a new political era in the State.
Among the first decisions taken by the newly sworn-in Chief Minister were the provision of 200 units of free electricity for domestic users, the formation of a special task force to combat drug trafficking, and the establishment of a dedicated women’s safety force along with a helpline.
Addressing supporters after the oath-taking ceremony at Chennai’s Nehru Indoor Stadium, Vijay began his speech with the phrase “En Nenjil Kudiyirukkum” — meaning “who lives in my heart” — a line frequently associated with his interactions with fans.
Speaking emotionally, Vijay described his rise from humble beginnings to the State’s top post. “An assistant director’s son has now become Chief Minister. I know poverty and hunger. I did not come from a royal family,” he said.
The actor-turned-politician assured citizens that his government would focus on essential sectors such as education, healthcare, water supply, farmers’ welfare and fishermen’s welfare. He also promised transparent governance and said his administration would not misuse public funds.
“We will not deceive people with false promises. We will not touch a single paisa of the people’s money and we will not allow anyone to loot the State,” Vijay stated.
During his speech, Vijay thanked alliance partners including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Left leaders and other coalition allies who extended support to help the TVK-led alliance cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.
The swearing-in ceremony marked a historic shift in Tamil Nadu politics, ending nearly six decades of alternating rule between the DMK and AIADMK. Vijay’s TVK emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections and later secured support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML to form the government.
Apart from Vijay, nine ministers also took oath, including Aadhav Arjuna, ‘Bussy’ Anand, CTR Nirmal Kumar, Raj Mohan, KT Prabhu, Arunraaj, P Venkataramanan and S Keerthana, one of the youngest faces in the cabinet. The Vijay-led government is expected to face a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly before May 13.
