Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 10 (ANI): Tamil Nadu experienced a remarkable political transformation on Sunday when actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister, marking the end of the long-standing political influence of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Vijay described this moment as the beginning of ‘a new era of real, secular and social justice.’

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, showcasing the grandeur associated with ‘Thalapathy.’ Vijay arrived in a striking black suit paired with a white full-sleeved shirt and black trousers, a modern twist compared to the traditional attire typically worn by Tamil Nadu politicians during such events.

As thousands of supporters cheered, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay and his cabinet members.

In his heartfelt inaugural speech, Vijay emphasized his humble beginnings and distanced himself from any grand political persona. ‘My dear people, my own family… I am not some divine messenger or prophet. I am just an ordinary human being living a normal life. I will never deceive you with false promises. I will only promise what is possible,’ he stated to loud applause.

‘I do not come from a royal family. I am just like your son, your daughter, your elder brother or your younger brother. That is how I see myself. And it was because you saw me that way that you gave me such a great place in the cinema,’ he added emotionally.

Vijay expressed gratitude to young voters and children who actively campaigned for him, particularly acknowledging his Gen Z supporters by saying, ‘A special word of thanks to the little friends who call me ‘Vijay Mama.’ It is because of them that all of this has happened. I will repay my debt of gratitude to you by working for your future. Stay confident — this Vijay Mama will always be there for you.’ This remark quickly became a highlight of the ceremony online.

He also recounted the challenges he faced during his political journey. ‘Throughout this journey and this process, I faced countless hardships and humiliations. But despite all that, you too endured difficulties and insults for my sake. You treated my pain as your own and stood beside me throughout,’ he reflected.

Calling his victory ‘a new beginning,’ the TVK founder stated, ‘Come, let all of us together give Tamil Nadu a fresh new government. This is the start of a new era of real, secular and social justice.’

However, the tone shifted as Vijay criticized the previous DMK government led by former Chief Minister MK Stalin, alleging that Tamil Nadu was left in a financially precarious state with debts exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore. ‘The last government has gone out after borrowing debts of more than Rs 10 lakh crore. The treasury had been completely emptied before they left office,’ he asserted. ‘Only after going inside and seeing things firsthand can one understand what is there and what is not.’

He announced plans for his government to release a ‘white paper’ on Tamil Nadu’s finances for the period of 2021-2026, emphasizing transparency. ‘I want my government to be transparent. Whatever I do, I will do openly and transparently. I will not meet people secretly or behind closed doors,’ he declared.

Vijay also pledged to take strong measures against drug abuse, enhance law and order, and improve women’s safety. ‘From today onward, I will begin taking strong measures to control drug abuse. It is our duty to save our youngsters from it. I will ensure law and order and guarantee safety for everyone,’ he promised.

Immediately after taking the oath, Vijay created a memorable moment by taking a selfie with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and alliance leaders on stage, followed by a 360-degree video capturing the historic occasion.

Prominent attendees at the ceremony included Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, VCK chief Thirumavalavan, CPI(M) leader P Shanmugam, Vijay’s parents, SA Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar, actress Trisha Krishnan, and several notable figures from the Tamil film industry.

After assuming office at the Secretariat in Fort St George, Vijay signed his first set of government orders, the most significant being the provision of 200 units of free electricity bimonthly to eligible domestic consumers, doubling the previous subsidy of 100 units. This initiative is expected to cost the government Rs 1,730 crore annually and will apply to consumers using up to 500 units every two months.

He also approved the establishment of a special women’s safety task force named ‘Singapen’ and a dedicated anti-drug task force to combat narcotics throughout Tamil Nadu.

In another significant move, Vijay resigned from the Tiruchirappalli East Assembly constituency after winning from both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East in the 2026 Assembly election, retaining only one seat as mandated by election law.

At the Secretariat, Vijay received a ceremonial Guard of Honour before holding his first high-level law and order review meeting with senior officials, including DGP Sandeep Rai Rathore, Chief Secretary M Saikumar, and top Home Department officials. The government later appointed P Senthilkumar as Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary-I to the Chief Minister, and G Laxmi Priya as Secretary-II to the CM.

Following his assumption of office, Vijay visited the Thanthai Periyar EV Ramasamy Memorial to pay tribute to the social reformer, reinforcing his commitment to rationalism and social justice. He was welcomed by Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani.

Nine ministers were sworn into Vijay’s inaugural cabinet alongside him, including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KA Sengottaiyan, KG Arunraj, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, T K Prabhu, and S Keerthana, the youngest MLA and only woman minister in the cabinet.

The cabinet showcased a mix of experienced leaders and fresh talent. Sengottaiyan brought decades of political experience, having worked closely with former Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, while younger leaders like Keerthana represented the TVK’s youth-driven political ascent.

After taking the oath, Aadhav Arjuna remarked, ‘This is a people’s victory — a victory of Tamil Nadu women and youth. We will provide a transparent government that works for development, secularism and social justice.’

Minister KG Arunraj described the day as ‘a historic chapter in Tamil Nadu politics,’ while S Keerthana confidently predicted that the TVK government would remain in power ‘for 35 to 50 years.’

Celebrations erupted across Tamil Nadu as TVK supporters burst crackers, danced in the streets, and distributed sweets in cities like Chennai, Madurai, Thoothukudi, and several other districts. In Madurai, celebrations took place near the Thiruvalluvar statue, while Congress and TVK workers celebrated together in Thoothukudi.

Political reactions followed swiftly after Vijay’s swearing-in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay and assured cooperation between the Centre and Tamil Nadu. Vijay expressed gratitude to Modi on X, stating he looked forward to ‘active support and cooperation’ from the Union Government.

Rahul Gandhi characterized the mandate as ‘a new generation, a new voice and a new imagination.’

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised Vijay for scripting ‘a remarkable democratic journey from cinema to public service,’ while Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also extended their congratulations.