C Joseph Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), assumed office as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking a historic shift from six decades of Dravidian dominance.
The swearing-in ceremony at Nehru Stadium drew thousands of cheering supporters as Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office.
Vijay secured the Chief Minister’s post after gaining support from 121 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly, backed by the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML. His appointment signalled a new chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
Moments after taking charge, Vijay signed his first three government orders. He approved 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, fulfilling a major campaign promise aimed at easing household expenses. He also established a dedicated anti-drug enforcement unit to curb narcotics networks and protect youth. His third directive created a special force for women’s safety across the State, reinforcing his commitment to gender security.
Nine Ministers joined Vijay’s Cabinet, including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr KG Arunraj, KA Sengottaiyan, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan Arumugam, Dr TK Prabhu, and Selvi S Keerthana — the youngest face in the team.
The Governor directed Vijay to prove his majority in the Assembly by May 13. His early decisions reflect a focus on welfare, law enforcement, and social protection as Tamil Nadu enters a new political era.
