Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay on Sunday formally began his tenure as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with a series of rapid policy announcements, a promise of “transparent governance” and a sharp political attack on the outgoing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. In his first address after taking oath in Chennai, Vijay projected himself as a “common man” without political lineage and declared the start of what he described as a “new era of real, secular and social justice” in Tamil Nadu.
“I am not from a royal family or political dynasty. People accepted me because I am one among them,” Vijay said shortly after assuming office.
The 51-year-old leader also sent a strong signal to alliance partners and party insiders by asserting that his administration would function under a single leadership structure.
“There will be no power centre other than me. I will be the only centre of power,” Vijay declared. The “only one power centre” comment appeared aimed at reassuring people that the TVK-led government would not be under pressure from any alliance partner to do their bidding.
Political observers viewed the remark as an attempt to reassure supporters that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government would not be controlled by coalition compulsions despite depending on outside support from multiple parties.
First Orders Signed Within Hours
Soon after taking charge, Vijay moved swiftly to implement several key campaign promises.
The first file signed by the new chief minister approved 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, one of TVK’s flagship welfare commitments during the Assembly election campaign.
Another file cleared the formation of a special women’s safety force aimed at responding to crimes against women and strengthening security infrastructure.
Vijay also approved the establishment of anti-drug units in every district, fulfilling another major poll promise focused on tackling narcotics abuse and organised drug networks.
The decisions appeared aimed at projecting a government attempting immediate action rather than symbolic transition.
White Paper on DMK-Era Finances
The most politically significant announcement, however, was Vijay’s decision to release a white paper on Tamil Nadu’s finances covering the 2021–2026 DMK administration period.
Accusing the previous government of leaving behind a massive fiscal burden, Vijay claimed Tamil Nadu was saddled with debt approaching Rs 10 lakh crore.
“The DMK government has left us with a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore. I want the people to know the burden inherited by this government,” he said.
The proposed white paper is expected to become the first major institutional confrontation between the new TVK administration and the DMK opposition.
Analysts say the move is designed both to establish political accountability and create justification for possible future fiscal restructuring or spending controls.
Rahul Gandhi’s Outreach to Vijay
The Congress leadership moved quickly to publicly acknowledge Vijay’s rise after TVK’s dramatic electoral breakthrough.
Rahul Gandhi personally called Vijay after the election results and congratulated him on what he described as TVK’s “spectacular result”.
“This mandate reflects the rising voice of youth, which cannot, and will not, be ignored,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X after speaking with Vijay.
Rahul Gandhi also reiterated that the Indian National Congress would continue to “protect and serve the people of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry”.
The Congress played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in helping Vijay secure the numbers required to form the government after the fractured verdict.
Political sources said Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge were involved in persuading Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) to extend support to TVK in order to avoid political instability and a possible President’s Rule scenario.
Cabinet Blends Experience and Loyalists
Vijay’s nine-member Cabinet combines veteran political figures with younger TVK faces and members of his core inner circle.
Senior leader KA Sengottaiyan was among the experienced names inducted, while younger figures including Dr TK Prabhu and S Keerthana also found places.
Several close Vijay associates — including Aadhav Arjuna, N Anand, R Nirmal Kumar and KG Arunraj — were included, reinforcing the perception that Vijay intends to maintain tight personal control over the administration.
A Political Earthquake in Tamil Nadu
Vijay’s ascent marks one of the most dramatic political disruptions in Tamil Nadu since the rise of MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa.
For decades, Tamil Nadu politics was dominated almost exclusively by the DMK and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
TVK’s rapid emergence has broken that long-standing bipolar structure and introduced an unpredictable new political equation centred around Vijay’s mass popularity, youth appeal and outsider image.
The actor-turned-politician now faces the challenge of transforming cinematic charisma and electoral momentum into stable governance in one of India’s most politically aware and welfare-driven states.
Also Read: Thalapathy Rises: 5 Big Reasons Tamil Nadu Chose TVK Vijay https://www.vibesofindia.com/why-tamil-nadu-chose-tvk-vijay/
