Vijay Begins Tamil Nadu Chapter With Power Message, Welfare Push

Chennai:In a dramatic first day as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay mixed emotion, authority and political symbolism as he formally assumed office on Sunday.
Moments after taking oath, Vijay signed three major files aimed at sending an immediate message to the public 200 units of free electricity for households, a womens safety task force with a dedicated helpline, and a statewide anti-drug initiative.
But the loudest moment of the day came during his speech to supporters.
There will be only one power centre, that is me, Vijay declared before a roaring crowd, warning party workers and leaders against misusing power or creating parallel authority structures in the government.
The ceremony itself looked as much like a political event as a superstar celebration. Thousands of TVK cadres, fans, alliance leaders and film personalities packed the venue hours before the oath-taking. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, actor Trisha and several national and regional leaders attended the event, while giant screens broadcast every moment to cheering supporters.
At 10.24 am, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath to Vijay, marking the arrival of Tamil Nadus newest political era one powered heavily by fan culture, youth support and digital mobilisation.
In his speech, Vijay attempted to project himself as a leader shaped by struggle rather than privilege. Recalling his childhood as the son of an assistant director, he spoke about poverty, rejection and hardship before cinema transformed his life.
I am like your son, your brother, he told the crowd emotionally.
He also launched a sharp attack on the previous DMK government, promising to release a white paper on Tamil Nadus financial condition and alleging that the state had been left with debts worth Rs 10 lakh crore.
At the same time, Vijay promised welfare-driven governance rooted in transparency and social justice. He assured people that his administration would avoid corruption, fulfil promises honestly and continue schemes benefiting ordinary families.
Soon after Vijays swearing-in, nine ministers from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) joined the Cabinet. The new government was formed after the TVK-led alliance secured the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly with backing from Congress, Left parties, VCK and IUML.
Now, Vijay faces his first major political test proving majority support on the Assembly floor before May 13.
For decades, Tamil Nadu politics revolved around the DMK and AIADMK. On Sunday, the state witnessed the rise of another film star attempting to convert cinematic popularity into political authority.
The celebrations were massive. The expectations may be even bigger.