Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu CM, signs free power and women’s safety orders

Popular Tamil hero and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday assumed office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and immediately announced a series of welfare and governance measures, marking an assertive start to his first term in office.

Soon after taking charge, Vijay signed official files approving 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, the formation of a dedicated women’s safety force, and the establishment of special anti-drug trafficking units across the State.

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The actor-turned-politician was sworn in at a grand ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, where Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office to him and members of his Council of Ministers.

In his maiden address as Chief Minister, Vijay described his government as the beginning of “a new era of real secularism and social justice” and promised decisive governance.

“This is the start of a people-centric administration committed to justice, equality and development,” Vijay said, asserting that his government would function with clear leadership and accountability.

‘I alone will be responsible’: Vijay

He also underlined that there would be no parallel power structure in his administration. “I alone will remain the centre of responsibility and decision-making in this government,” he said.

Thanking alliance partners including the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League for supporting TVK in government formation, Vijay credited young voters and children for helping his party secure victory.

“It was the children who persuaded their families to believe in change and vote for us,” he said.

The new Chief Minister’s remarks triggered an immediate political response from DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who rejected Vijay’s claim that the previous government had left the State with a debt burden of Rs 10 lakh crore.

Stalin urged the new administration to continue welfare schemes launched during the DMK’s tenure and called for political continuity in key public welfare programmes. Vijay’s swearing-in drew congratulatory messages from leading Tamil film personalities including Kamal Haasan, R. Madhavan, Prakash Raj and Sathyaraj, many describing the victory as historic.

With his first executive decisions focused on welfare relief, law enforcement and social security, Vijay has signalled a governance model aimed at delivering quick public impact as Tamil Nadu enters a new political chapter.