C. Joseph Vijay Sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Promises New Era
C. Joseph Vijay Takes Office
C. Joseph Vijay takes oath as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)
Guwahati, May 10: C. Joseph Vijay, the founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), officially took office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. He signed significant government orders that include providing 200 units of free electricity to households, establishing a dedicated women's safety force, and creating anti-drug trafficking units throughout the state.
During his inaugural speech at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, Vijay proclaimed the start of a "new era" focused on "true secularism and social justice" in Tamil Nadu.
The actor-turned-politician emphasized that his administration would operate under a unified leadership structure.
“This government will have no other power center. I will be the sole center of power and responsibility,” Vijay stated in his address.
He expressed gratitude to the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and Left parties for their support in forming the government.
In a heartfelt moment, Vijay thanked the children of Tamil Nadu, acknowledging their enthusiasm as a pivotal factor in the party's success. “It is because of the children that TVK has won. They persuaded their families to vote for us,” he remarked, eliciting cheers from the audience.
Vijay's swearing-in ceremony was a vibrant event, marking a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu, as it brought forth the first government not affiliated with DMK or AIADMK in nearly six decades.
Governor R V Arlekar administered the oath of office to Vijay and his nine-member council of ministers amidst enthusiastic applause and cheers from thousands of TVK supporters present at the stadium.
Senior political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, were in attendance, along with various film personalities and special guests.
Vijay with Rahul Gandhi at the swearing-in ceremony (Photo - PTI)
Vijay's parents, veteran filmmaker S A Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar, were visibly moved as they witnessed their son take on the state's highest political role.
The 51-year-old leader's swearing-in ceremony showcased several symbolic breaks from Tamil Nadu's traditional political norms.
Unlike many leaders from the previous DMK administration, Vijay and his ministers took their oaths in the name of God, marking a notable shift.
Vijay also deviated from the typical Tamil Nadu political attire, opting for a crisp white shirt, dark trousers, and a blazer instead of the usual white shirt and veshti. Many ministers followed suit, presenting a modern political image.
The new cabinet features a mix of seasoned and youthful leaders.
Veteran Dravidian leader K A Sengottaiyan joined the ministry alongside younger figures like Dr T K Prabhu and S Keerthana. Several trusted members of Vijay's inner circle, including Aadhav Arjuna, N Anand, R Nirmal Kumar, and K G Arunraj, were also sworn in as ministers.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric throughout the event.
TVK supporters waved yellow party shawls and continuously blew whistles, the party's election symbol, celebrating what they viewed as the culmination of a long political journey for their beloved “Thalapathy.”
“The people of Tamil Nadu have placed their trust in me, despite my lack of royal lineage. I will never betray that trust with false promises,” Vijay assured in his speech.
The event attracted numerous personalities from the Tamil film industry, including actor Trisha and actress Sanam Shetty, highlighting Vijay's enduring influence in cinema even as he transitions into politics.
The ceremony concluded on a high note as Vijay took a selfie on stage with Rahul Gandhi, cabinet colleagues, and senior leaders, prompting loud cheers from the packed stadium.
Vijay's ascent to power represents one of the most significant political transformations in Tamil Nadu's recent history.
Having founded the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam just two years ago, the actor-politician successfully broke the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK, emerging victorious in his first Assembly election.