C Joseph Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM, promises ‘real social justice’ and transparency

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(From Left) Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu with C. Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Tamil Nadu Government, in Chennai. | Photo Credit: BIJOY GHOSH

Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, President of the two-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on Sunday took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, promising a government rooted in social justice, transparency, women’s safety and eradication of the drug menace.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy to Vijay at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Sunday morning.

After Vijay, nine ministers — N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K.A. Sengottayan, K.G. Arunraj, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmal Kumar, Raj Mohan, T.K. Prabhu and lone woman minister S. Keerthana — were sworn in as members of the cabinet.

Vijay and his Council of Ministers took the oath in the name of God in a ceremony that lasted less than 90 minutes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay on taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. “Best wishes for his tenure ahead. The Central Government will keep working with the Tamil Nadu Government to improve the lives of people.,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi flew to Chennai for the ceremony, which was attended largely by Vijay’s relatives, friends, MLAs and supporters. Members of the film fraternity, including Trisha Krishnan, were also present. The sound of whistles — the symbol of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam — reverberated throughout the stadium as Vijay entered the venue.

First signature

Soon after assuming office, Vijay announced key decisions including 200 units of free electricity every two months for domestic consumers, creation of a women’s protection force, and anti-drug squads in every district.

C. Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the swearing -in ceremony of the new Government.

C. Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the swearing -in ceremony of the new Government. | Photo Credit: BIJOY GHOSH

Breaking from convention, Vijay delivered a brief, film-style speech from the swearing-in stage. “I am one among you. I was born to a poor Assistant Director, and you the people made me the Chief Minister. I am speechless,” he said.

Highlighting the State’s financial situation, Vijay said the new government was taking charge amid a debt burden of nearly ₹10 lakh crore and announced that a white paper on State finances would be released. “I will not spend public money,” he said, while appealing to people to give his government time to fulfil electoral promises.

Ending his address, Vijay declared: “It’s a new beginning. A new era of real, secular, social justice starts now.” He also thanked Gen Z supporters and children who affectionately call him “Vijay Mama”.

In another departure from convention, the programme began with Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem and Tamizh Thaai Vazhthu. The event concluded with Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.

Responding to Vijay’s remarks on the State’s finances, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin said in a post on X that the government did have funds and that what was required was “the will to give it to the people, and the ability to govern.” Stalin said the State’s debt remained within permissible limits and accused Vijay of attempting to divert attention after making extensive poll promises despite knowing the financial position outlined in the February Budget.

“You, who came to power saying, I will only give promises that are practically feasible,” are now just stepping into government administration. I believe that, just like us, you too will surely learn soon the nuances of how to fulfill the promises made to the people. Along with the people who voted for you, I too expect the same,” Stalin wrote.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Vijay proceeded directly to the Secretariat and entered the Chief Minister’s chamber shortly before the Yamagandam period between 12 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.

Meanwhile, in the first bureaucrat reshuffle of the new government, P Senthilkumar, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, has been transferred and posted as Additional Chief Secretary/ Secretary-I to Chief Minister. G Laxmi Priya, Secretary to Government, Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department is transferred and posted as Secretary-II to Chief Minister, says a Government order.