Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Actor-turned-politician Vijay officially began his tenure as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday by signing his first set of files, fulfilling key election promises. Among the significant approvals were a scheme for 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers and the creation of dedicated task forces to combat drug-related crimes and enhance women's safety.
New CM Takes Swift Action on Key Promises
Hours after taking his oath of office at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, CM Vijay moved to implement his administration's initial policy agenda. The free electricity initiative aims to provide financial relief to households across the state, a cornerstone pledge from his recent campaign.
Furthermore, the establishment of specialized task forces underscores the new government's commitment to addressing critical social issues. One unit will specifically target drug-related offenses, while another will focus on strengthening measures for women's safety, signaling a strong stance against crime and for public welfare.
Criticism Leveled at Previous DMK Government
Following the swearing-in ceremony, CM Vijay also launched a sharp critique of the preceding DMK government. He alleged that the state's financial health had significantly deteriorated over the last five years, claiming, "The DMK government has left us with a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore. The party has emptied the treasury."
In response to these concerns, Vijay announced his government's intention to release a white paper detailing Tamil Nadu’s financial situation for the period spanning 2021 to 2026. This move is expected to set the stage for a politically confrontational battle with the DMK over economic governance.
Government Formation and Support
The 51-year-old founder of the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) party secured the chief ministerial post with the backing of a coalition including the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). This alliance provides his government with 120 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the 234-member Assembly.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay and nine other TVK MLAs, who were sworn in as ministers. Notable attendees at the ceremony included Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Congress, despite having contested the election as part of the DMK-led alliance, later extended its support to the TVK to facilitate government formation.
The new Chief Minister's initial decisions highlight a clear strategy to rapidly deliver on campaign promises while simultaneously defining the political landscape against the backdrop of the state's financial challenges.