In a historic political transition, actor-turned-politician Vijay took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in a grand ceremony held at the state capital. The event, marked by high security and massive public turnout, saw the swearing-in of the new Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.
Oath Ceremony Details
Governor Rajendra Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay at a specially erected dais at the Raj Bhavan grounds. Several top political leaders from allied parties, including Congress, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, and VCK, attended the ceremony, signaling a broad coalition government.
Key Attendees
- Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
- CPI General Secretary D. Raja
- CPI(M) State Secretary K. Balakrishnan
- IUML State President K.M. Kader Mohideen
- VCK Founder Thol. Thirumavalavan
The presence of these leaders underscored the unity of the opposition front that backed Vijay's candidacy.
Vijay's First Address
In his maiden speech as Chief Minister, Vijay emphasized transparency, development, and social justice. He promised to prioritize education, healthcare, and employment generation. "This is not just a victory for TVK but for the people of Tamil Nadu who have reposed faith in us," he said.
Government Agenda
- Free electricity up to 200 units for all households
- Monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 for women heads of families
- Special package for farmers including loan waivers
- Establishment of new industrial corridors
The new government's first cabinet meeting is scheduled for later this week to approve these measures.
Political Significance
Vijay's ascent marks a dramatic shift from cinema to politics, reminiscent of other actor-politicians in Tamil Nadu. His party, TVK, contested in alliance with several smaller parties and won a comfortable majority. Political analysts view this as a consolidation of anti-incumbency sentiment against the previous DMK government.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by thousands of supporters who lined the streets from Vijay's residence to the venue. Security was tight with over 10,000 police personnel deployed. The event was also telecast live on major news channels and streamed online.
Vijay, who has a massive fan following, used his popularity to build a political career. He has been vocal about corruption and governance issues, which resonated with voters. His party's manifesto focused on youth employment, women's safety, and digital governance.
As the new Chief Minister, Vijay faces the challenge of fulfilling his promises while managing a coalition government. The coming weeks will be crucial as he forms his cabinet and sets the agenda for the state.
