CHENNAI: C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the 9th chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, making history as the first leader to assume the post after 1962 who is not from the DMK or AIADMK. Vijay called it a fresh beginning, a new era of "real secularism and social justice" after being sworn in by Governor R V Arlekar at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, which was teeming with TVK cadres, film and political personalities. Rahul Gandhi was on the dais next to Vijay.
New Ministers and First Orders
Nine of his colleagues, including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, and K A Sengottaiyan, were sworn in as ministers during the event. Soon after assuming charge, Vijay signed orders providing up to 200 units of free electricity for households with usage under 500 units. He also approved the formation of the "Singapen" special task force aimed at women's safety and ordered the creation of anti-narcotics units in all cities and districts to detect drug-related offences.
Maiden Speech: Attack on Previous Government
In his maiden speech as CM, Vijay attacked the previous DMK government, alleging that the state was left with a debt of 10 lakh crore. Vijay said the treasury was empty and that he would have to assess the financial situation of the state. "I will release a white paper so you can understand exactly what state Tamil Nadu's finances are in. I want to run a transparent government," he said, setting the tone for a war of words with DMK over Tamil Nadu's fiscal discipline.
Promises and Priorities
Vijay, however, promised that he would fulfil all his poll promises in due course. "I request you to give me some time. I will gradually fulfil what I promised," he said, adding that he would not deceive people with false promises that were unfeasible. "I will do only what is possible," he told the crowd. Ensuring basic necessities will be his first priority, including education, ration supplies, healthcare, drinking water, roads, and bus facilities. "Women's safety will be handled strictly. I will take steps to control the drug menace right away. I will ensure law and order and safety for everyone," he said.
Personal Background and Integrity
Vijay, who started his speech talking about his humble beginnings, said he was the son of an aspiring assistant director and not a "deva thoothan" (divine messenger). He also said he knew what poverty felt like. "I know what hunger means. I did not come from some royal family. I am just like you," he added. Thanking everyone for the love and affection showered on him, the actor-turned-politician said he was joining politics to repay the debt. "I will not touch even a single paisa of public money. I don't need to," he said.
Warning to Party Members
In a message seen as a warning to his own partymen, Vijay said he would not let anyone engage in wrongdoings. "I will not commit any wrongs nor let others do so, even if they happen to be part of my government," he said. "If anyone thinks that after victory they can misuse power, erase that thought immediately." In a response to apprehensions that multiple power centres would emerge in TVK, Vijay said there will only be 'one power centre - the one under him.' "There will not be different power centres," he said.
Message to Minorities and Allies
In a message to minorities, Vijay said his government will stand with them. "You can trust Vijay 100%. I belong equally to Hindus, Muslims, and Christians," he said. He then thanked the children, stating that 'Vijay mama' will take steps for their better future. He also thanked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, CPM leaders M A Baby and P Shanmugam, CPI leaders D Raja and M Veerapandian, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, and other alliance leaders for supporting the formation of his government.
Concluding Remarks
Concluding his speech by thanking his party workers, Vijay called upon them to give a fresh governance. "Let us all together give a fresh, new governance," he said. "This is a new beginning. A new era of real secular social justice starts now," Vijay said. Later in the day, he held a meeting with senior officials to take stock of the law and order situation.
About the Author: Ram Sundaram is an Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Chennai, where he covers commute, trial courts, and political affairs.
