Newly sworn-in Vijay signed his first major government orders on Sunday shortly after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The new government announced 200 units of free electricity for households, the creation of a special task force to fight drug-related crimes, and a dedicated women’s safety force along with a helpline service.
Vijay said his government would also focus strongly on education, healthcare and water management across the state. “Farmers and fishermen will be taken care of. All will be good,” he said.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Delivers Emotional First Speech
Vijay began his speech with the Tamil phrase “En Nenjil Kudiyirukkum”, meaning “who lives in my heart”, a line he has frequently used while addressing his fans during his film career. The actor-turned-politician spoke emotionally about his personal struggles and humble background.
“An assistant director's son has now become a chief minister. I know poverty and hunger, I didn't come from a royal family. I faced a lot of hardships, may people humiliated me. I'm like your son, your brother, your younger sibling. You have given me a place in your heart, accepted me,” he said. The 51-year-old leader promised that his administration would not deceive people with false assurances.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Government Promises Transparency
Vijay also attacked the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government over the state’s financial condition. “The DMK cleaned up state coffers and we have taken over with Rs 10 lakh crore debt (projected figure till March 2027). We will not take a single penny from people's funds and we will not allow anyone to loot the state,” he said.
At the same time, Vijay promised to bring “a new era of real, secular, social justice” in Tamil Nadu. He also thanked several alliance leaders and supporters, including Rahul Gandhi, Praveen Chakravarty and M. A. Baby. Rahul Gandhi attended the swearing-in ceremony and congratulated Vijay and the TVK leadership after the election victory.
Vijay Formed Government After Days of Political Uncertainty
Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony ended nearly a week of political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu. Although Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections, it initially failed to cross the majority mark of 118 seats in the 234-member Assembly.
Later, the Indian National Congress extended support with its five MLAs. The Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) also backed the alliance with two MLAs each. On Saturday evening, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Indian Union Muslim League, both holding two seats each, announced their support for Vijay. The support pushed the TVK-led alliance to 120 MLAs and paved the way for Tamil Nadu’s first non-DMK and non-AIADMK government in almost six decades.
DMK Claims M. K. Stalin Helped Avoid Constitutional Crisis
Meanwhile, DMK spokesperson A Saravanan claimed that former chief minister M. K. Stalin persuaded alliance partners to support TVK in order to prevent a constitutional crisis in the state. According to Saravanan, Stalin held discussions with allies including VCK before they extended support to Vijay.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Introduces New Cabinet
Along with Vijay, nine ministers also took oath in Chennai. The cabinet includes Aadhav Arjuna, considered one of Vijay’s closest political strategists, and CTR Nirmal Kumar, a former BJP functionary who won from Thiruparankundram. Other ministers include Bussy Anand, Raj Mohan, KT Prabhu, Arunraaj, P Venkataramanan and S Keerthana, who became the youngest member of the cabinet at the age of 28.
Tamil Nadu Government Faces Floor Test Next
The next major challenge for Vijay’s government will come in the Assembly. The newly formed government must prove its majority during the floor test, which is expected to take place before May 13.