R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAY 10
In a dramatic and high-voltage political debut at Fort St. George, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay wasted no time in stamping his authority on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, launching his Chief Ministerial tenure with a flurry of headline-grabbing decisions and a frontal assault on the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government.
- 200 units free electricity order signed within hours of taking oath
- Women’s safety force and district-level anti-drug units get immediate nod
- Vijay announces explosive White Paper on DMK regime’s finances and ₹10 lakh crore debt
- TVK chief vows “transparent governance” and rules out backdoor power centres
- Actor-turned-CM strikes conciliatory tone, says critics too are part of Tamil Nadu’s growth journey
Hours after taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday, Vijay signed a series of key files aimed at delivering on his poll promises, while simultaneously positioning his administration as a “transparent and people-centric government.”
The first major order cleared by the new Chief Minister approved the rollout of 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, a flagship welfare promise that drew thunderous applause from supporters and allies alike.
In another swift administrative move, Vijay sanctioned the creation of a special women’s safety force, signalling that law and order — especially women’s security — would remain a top priority under his administration.
The newly sworn-in Chief Minister also approved the establishment of dedicated anti-drug units in every district, intensifying his campaign promise to dismantle what he repeatedly described during the elections as the “growing drug menace” in Tamil Nadu.
But the political thunderbolt of the day came when Vijay turned his guns squarely on the outgoing DMK administration.
‘DMK Left ₹10 Lakh Crore Debt Burden’
Addressing a charged gathering after the oath-taking ceremony, Vijay announced that his government would soon release a White Paper detailing Tamil Nadu’s financial status between 2021 and 2026, directly targeting the previous regime’s fiscal management.
“The DMK government has left us with a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore. I want to tell the people how much debt the previous government has left behind and the burden they have placed on us,” Vijay declared, triggering loud cheers from party cadres.
The announcement is expected to intensify the political confrontation between the ruling Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam and the opposition DMK in the coming weeks.
‘No Secret Politics, No Multiple Power Centres’
In a sharp swipe at the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and recent political manoeuvring over government formation, Vijay promised that his administration would function openly and transparently.
“I will carry out my responsibilities transparently and not behind closed doors,” he asserted.
The statement also appeared aimed at silencing speculation over internal power equations within the fledgling government.
Making his position crystal clear, Vijay asserted that there would be no multiple power centres in the administration and that governance would function under a single leadership structure headed by him.
The assurance assumes significance as the new government is functioning with a slender majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, relying on the support of smaller allies.
Focus on Welfare, Education & Healthcare
Even while launching a political offensive, Vijay repeatedly stressed that governance — not vendetta — would define his administration.
He reiterated that education, food supply, healthcare and women’s safety would form the backbone of his government’s priorities, though he stopped short of unveiling a detailed policy roadmap.
The new Chief Minister also struck an unexpectedly emotional and conciliatory note, extending an olive branch even to his harshest critics.
“Even those who criticised and humiliated me are my people,” Vijay said, drawing prolonged applause from the audience.
The statement marked a softer contrast to the otherwise combative political messaging of the day and reinforced his attempt to project himself as a leader seeking inclusive governance beyond partisan lines.
With welfare populism, administrative assertiveness and political aggression packed into his very first day in office, Vijay’s opening moves have already signalled that Tamil Nadu politics is entering a turbulent and transformative new phase.
