R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAY 11
In a historic and emotionally charged moment that symbolised the dramatic transformation of Tamil Nadu politics, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday formally entered the legislative arena by taking oath as a Member of the Legislative Assembly during the inaugural session of the newly constituted 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Just a day after being sworn in as Chief Minister, the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam founder took oath amid loud desk-thumping, enthusiastic cheers from party legislators and intense public attention surrounding the party’s stunning electoral rise.
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay takes oath as MLA during first session of newly constituted Tamil Nadu Assembly
- TVK supremo retains Perambur seat, resigns from Trichy East triggering bypoll
- Packed Assembly witnesses emotional and electrifying scenes as TVK legislators enter House for first time
- Pro-tem Speaker Karuppiah calls on MLAs to uphold social justice, rationalism and people-centric governance
- Vijay’s Assembly entry marks formal beginning of TVK era after ending decades of DMK-AIADMK dominance
The oath-taking ceremony was conducted under the supervision of Pro-tem Speaker M.V. Karuppaiah, who administered the oath to newly elected members in the Assembly Hall at Fort St. George.
Vijay Switches from Spiritual Oath to Constitutional Affirmation
Interestingly, Vijay adopted a different tone while taking oath as MLA compared to his swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister a day earlier.
While assuming office as Chief Minister on Sunday, Vijay had invoked “Andavan Meedhu Aanaiyaga” (in the name of God). However, during Monday’s Assembly proceedings, he chose the constitutional affirmation route, declaring, “Ulamara Urudhi Koorugiren” — meaning “I solemnly affirm with sincerity.”
Political observers viewed the subtle shift as a calibrated attempt to balance his spiritual appeal with constitutional and rationalist political traditions deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu’s legislative culture.
Perambur Retained, Trichy East Heads for By-Election
Vijay took oath as the MLA representing the Perambur Assembly constituency, which he retained after emerging victorious from both Perambur and Trichy East in the recently concluded elections.
Following his decision to continue from Perambur, the Chief Minister resigned the Trichy East seat, setting the stage for a high-voltage by-election in the constituency.
Soon after Vijay’s oath-taking, senior TVK leader N. Anand was sworn in as MLA from T Nagar constituency, while Aadhav Arjuna took oath as the legislator from Villivakkam.
Assembly Turns Emotional as TVK Begins New Political Era
The first Assembly session witnessed energetic scenes as several first-time legislators from the TVK entered the House following the party’s sensational maiden electoral performance.
The actor-turned-politician’s rise to power has dramatically altered Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, ending decades of alternating dominance between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
The TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Assembly before forming the government with the support of alliance and outside parties.
Karuppaiah Invokes Periyar, Kamarajar and Social Justice Legacy
Addressing the House, Pro-tem Speaker Karuppaiah congratulated the newly elected legislators and urged them to dedicate themselves to public service and welfare-oriented governance.
“The people have elected us to serve them. Every member must understand this responsibility and work sincerely for the people,” he said.
Karuppaiah observed that the new leadership had overcome immense challenges and earned the confidence of the people despite numerous political obstacles.
He further urged the government to follow the ideals of iconic Tamil leaders including Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, K. Kamaraj, Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal, while upholding the principles of rationalism and social justice in governance.
With Vijay now officially occupying both the Chief Minister’s chair and the Assembly floor, Tamil Nadu’s new political era has formally begun under the glare of extraordinary public expectation and unprecedented political curiosity.
