CHENNAI: TVK chief C Joseph Vijay on Sunday was sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister after the May 4 verdict declared his party as the single largest in the assembly. In his first address after taking office, Vijay announced immediate welfare measures, including free electricity up to 200 units for domestic consumers.
Appeal for Patience and Performance Focus
Seeking time from the public to deliver on his promises, Vijay said his government would focus on performance and delivery. He urged people to give him reasonable time to ensure performance. Striking a personal tone, he described his role as chief minister by saying, “I am not an angel but a common man.”
Criticism of Previous DMK Government
Taking on the previous DMK government, Vijay accused it of fiscal mismanagement and debt burden. He alleged that the previous DMK regime had 'burdened' the state with Rs 10 lakh crore debt. The new chief minister also said his administration would not have parallel power centres and asserted control over decision-making. “There will not be any power centres other than him, he will be the only centre of power,” he stated.
Transparency and Governance Reforms
On governance transparency, Vijay said he was considering releasing a white paper on state finances. He added that his government would not mislead the public. Vijay outlined his broader priorities, including governance reforms, welfare delivery, and law and order, promising a 'transparent govt.' He again appealed for patience while warning against premature judgement of his government’s performance.
Law and Order and Women's Safety
On law and order, Vijay said his government would act against drug abuse. “I will take steps from today to end 'drug culture,'” he declared. He also stressed women’s safety as a key priority. Listing his governance focus areas, he said education and transport would be central to his agenda. “My first focus will be on fundamental requirements like education and transport,” he noted.
Internal Accountability and Social Inclusion
Warning against misconduct within his own administration, Vijay asserted, “I will not let anyone commit mistakes, even those in my govt.” On social inclusion, he said his government would stand by minorities. “Vijay says his govt will stand with minorities,” and added, “I represent Hindu, Muslim and Christians.”
Gratitude and Call for Collective Effort
Thanking supporters, Vijay credited children for his victory and called it a new beginning. “Vijay thanks children” and “Vijay thanks kids. Says it was possible because of them.” Calling for collective effort, he said, “Lets all join together to give a fresh governance,” and added, “This is a new beginning.” He also declared, “A new era of social justice starts today.”
Political Gestures
In a political gesture, Vijay referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a brother and thanked leaders across parties, including Congress president Mallikharjun Kharge, Selvaperunthagai and Praveen Chakravarthy, CPM leaders P Shanmugam and Su Venkatesan, VCK leaders Thol Thirumavalavan, Ravikumar and Vanniarasu, and CPI leader M Veerapandian.
