C Joseph Vijay Takes Oath As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Promises New Era Of Governance
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking a historic political shift in the State after decades of alternating rule by the DMK and AIADMK.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to Vijay during a grand ceremony held at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. Nine other TVK leaders also took oath as Ministers in the new coalition government backed by Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML.
The actor-turned-politician secured support from 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly, enabling TVK to form the government. Vijay became only the second debutant legislator to assume office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister since 1967 and the first Christian to hold the post in the State.
Addressing the gathering after taking oath, Vijay promised “a new beginning” and said a new era of secularism and social justice had begun in Tamil Nadu.
“I will not deceive people with false promises. I will only do what is possible,” Vijay said in his first speech as Chief Minister.
Minutes after assuming office, Vijay signed key files related to 200 units of free electricity for domestic users, formation of a women’s safety force and establishment of anti-drug units across districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and several national leaders congratulated Vijay on taking charge. Rahul Gandhi described the development as “a new generation, a new voice and a new imagination” for Tamil Nadu.
The Governor has directed the new Chief Minister to seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly before May 13.
