Chennai witnessed scenes reminiscent of C Joseph Vijay's 2018 political drama 'Sarkar' as hundreds of people gathered across the city on Sunday to watch the actor take oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, crowds began gathering from early morning, with many arriving during the wee hours as preparations were under way, clicking pictures in front of the venue.
Along the beach stretch, supporters lined up from Ice House to Napier Bridge to catch a glimpse of Vijay. Outside the Secretariat too, supporters wearing party scarves and carrying flags and whistles stood behind barricades awaiting his arrival. At Marina Beach, Besant Nagar Beach, T Nagar bus stand, Ambattur, MGR Nagar market in KK Nagar, and Kathipara Urban Square, among the 23 Greater Chennai Corporation organised spots, people gathered in numbers wearing white, beige, and yellow. Men and women across age groups, children, and teens squeezed in to secure a spot to watch the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader on LED screens.
"It feels like a personal moment for me, like a dream come true. It is a day to be remembered by Tamil Nadu," said Jothimani, a college student from Nungambakkam, who was present with his peers while waving the TVK flag. His friend, Stephen M, at Marina Beach opposite Vivekananda House, added, "It is good to see many young people in his cabinet. The past few months, my social media has been full of politics and so are our discussions."
Crowds erupted not only at the first mention but every time "chief minister" was said on stage. Hands were in the air, mobile phones recording, spectators jumped and whirled party scarves in the air. Some enjoyed the moment with a kulfi in hand. "Vijay has promised employment for the youth, good quality education, and healthcare," said S Antony, a retired employee. "I personally am against freebies. I have hope in this government. If at all a government wants to give freebies, they must give it to the farmers," he added.
"For change we voted and so it has become. He (Vijay) knows what needs to be done for the public and he will do so," said Jeevanandham, a techie. Meanwhile, people responded to Vijay's emotional speech with giggles, tears, and whistles. Motorists passing by stopped their vehicles to join the crowd; some stood on top of bikes to get a good view of the LED screen. "Anna! You come, TVK TVK" they chanted, and some shed tears. TVK and Indian National Congress flags fluttered from scooters, and campaign autos made a comeback, singing the TVK anthem.
Near Periyar Statue in Chintadripet, a family from Vyasarpadi—J Rooban, his wife S Mohana, and their 11-month-old baby—waited to get a glimpse of Vijay. "I have seen Vijay in Egmore. My wife is a big fan, she wanted to see him today," Rooban said. "I love Vijay so much, can't you understand from the way I'm waiting under the hot sun?" Mohana added. Jeevanandham said he was heading for a movie afterwards, but the morning itself felt like being inside a Vijay film.
