Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay officially began his tenure as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after taking oath at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
The swearing-in ceremony marked a historic political shift in the state, as Vijay became the first leader outside the traditional DMK and AIADMK camps to form a government since 1967.
The founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam moved quickly after the oath ceremony by signing a series of major administrative orders aimed at fulfilling key election promises made during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly campaign.
Vijay Announces 200 Units of Free Electricity
One of the first decisions taken by the new government was the approval of 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers across Tamil Nadu. The move was among TVK’s biggest poll promises and is expected to benefit lakhs of households statewide.
The free electricity scheme places Tamil Nadu among states such as Delhi, Punjab, and Bihar, where subsidised or free power schemes are already being implemented for residents.
Special Women’s Safety Force and Anti-Drug Units Planned
Chief Minister Vijay also signed files to establish a dedicated women’s safety force and specialised anti-drug trafficking units across the state. The measures reflect TVK’s focus on law and order, women’s security, and tackling drug-related crimes.
The government said these initiatives would be implemented on priority to improve public safety and strengthen policing infrastructure across urban and rural Tamil Nadu.
Vijay Says ‘Real Secularism and Social Justice’ Has Begun
During his maiden speech after taking oath, Vijay said a “new era” committed to “real secularism and social justice” had started in Tamil Nadu. He stated that there would be no parallel power centres in his administration and asserted that he alone would remain the centre of authority in the government.
Vijay also thanked alliance partners including the Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and IUML for supporting TVK during the government formation process.
He gave special credit to children and young voters, saying their encouragement influenced many families to vote for TVK during the elections.
How TVK Crossed the Majority Mark
TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats in its debut election. However, the party initially fell short of the 118-seat majority mark required to form the government.
The Congress first extended support with five MLAs, followed by support from CPI and CPI(M), which contributed two MLAs each. Later, VCK and IUML formally submitted letters of support, helping Vijay’s alliance reach 120 MLAs and comfortably cross the majority threshold.
Historic Political Shift in Tamil Nadu
Political analysts are calling Vijay’s rise one of the biggest changes in Tamil Nadu politics in decades. With TVK forming the government within just two years of the party’s launch, the development signals growing public demand for an alternative political force in the state.
The new administration is now expected to focus on welfare schemes, employment, governance reforms, infrastructure development, and public safety initiatives as it begins its first term in office.
