Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has entered a more assertive phase of his tenure after completing the first 100 days of the TVK government, with a series of welfare announcements, administrative decisions and increasingly sharp exchanges with the opposition DMK.
While the first 100 days were largely focused on establishing the new government and delivering on welfare commitments, Vijay’s latest moves suggest a more combative political approach.
From increasing the procurement price paid to milk producers to expanding health insurance and maternity leave, the government has announced several measures aimed at different sections of the population. At the same time, Vijay has warned that his government has files concerning alleged corruption during the previous DMK regime.
Aavin milk price increased
One of the major announcements was the increase in Aavin’s milk procurement price from ₹38 to ₹41 per litre.
The move is expected to benefit more than 3.16 lakh milk producers, while increasing the government’s expenditure by around ₹30 crore every month.
The decision comes as the TVK government attempts to strengthen its welfare credentials and address concerns among farmers and milk producers.
MLAs to get vehicles and ₹1 lakh monthly package
The government also announced new facilities for legislators.
Under the proposal, all MLAs will receive government vehicles along with a ₹1 lakh monthly package. Of this, ₹75,000 will cover fuel, maintenance and driver expenses, while ₹25,000 will be allocated for an assistant handling office-related work.
The government said the measure was intended to help MLAs travel across their constituencies and focus on development activities.
The announcement, however, drew criticism from the DMK, which argued that legislators who already own vehicles should not be covered by the scheme.
Maternity leave for third child extended to one year
In another major welfare decision, the Tamil Nadu government announced that women government employees having a third child would be eligible for 365 days of maternity leave, compared with the earlier limit of 12 weeks.
Previously, women government employees with fewer than two children could receive up to a year of maternity leave, while those with two or more children were eligible for a shorter period.
The government has positioned the move as part of its broader focus on women’s welfare and empowerment.
Health insurance cover raised to ₹25 lakh
Healthcare also featured prominently in Vijay’s latest announcements.
The annual coverage under the state’s Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme has been increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh, significantly raising the financial protection available to beneficiaries.
Controversial student order withdrawn within minutes
The government’s rapid decision-making was also accompanied by a controversy.
The College Education Department issued an order directing officials to coordinate efforts to prevent students and youth from government arts and science colleges from participating in protests organised by Left parties and the Tamil Nadu Cockroach Janata Party.
The communication described the matter as “very urgent”.
However, the order was withdrawn within minutes, marking a swift U-turn by the administration.
Vijay warns of ‘corruption files’ against DMK
The chief minister has also stepped up his confrontation with the DMK.
During Assembly proceedings, the government faced questions over alleged irregularities involving a ₹5.54-crore tender related to the proposed relocation of the chief minister’s office, as well as allegations concerning road-laying works.
Vijay responded by warning that he had documents concerning alleged corruption during the previous DMK regime.
“I will reveal the corruption files from the previous DMK regime at an appropriate time.”
He added that he had two files on his desk, signalling that the TVK government’s confrontation with the DMK could intensify in the coming months.
‘Political monk’: Ministers highlight Vijay’s work schedule
Vijay’s ministers have also sought to project him as a hands-on administrator.
Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna described the chief minister as a “political monk”, claiming that Vijay works for 18 to 20 hours a day and can call ministers as early as 4am to seek updates.
According to Arjuna, Vijay spends considerable time at the Secretariat examining departmental issues, corruption allegations and possible financial leakages.
The portrayal is part of the TVK government’s effort to establish Vijay as a serious administrator following his transition from the film industry to electoral politics.
What did Vijay’s first 100 days deliver?
Vijay’s first 100 days included several major welfare announcements. On his first day as chief minister, he signed orders concerning 200 units of free electricity for eligible households, a dedicated women’s safety force and anti-narcotics task forces.
The government also announced a ₹6,220-crore cooperative farm-loan waiver, expanded the school breakfast programme and allocated funds for laptops for college students.
It additionally announced the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops located near educational institutions, places of worship and transport hubs.
However, the administration has also faced questions over the implementation of election promises, the state’s finances, the Cauvery water dispute and law-and-order issues.
The Karur stampede case, linked to a TVK rally addressed by Vijay before he became chief minister, remains another major political challenge.
As Vijay begins the next phase of his tenure, the focus is likely to shift from the number of announcements to their implementation, financial sustainability and political impact. For the TVK government, the next few months could determine whether its welfare-heavy opening chapter develops into a durable model of governance—or an increasingly intense political battle with the DMK.
