Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay hit the ground running on his first day in office, unveiling a string of populist and governance-focused measures moments after taking oath on Sunday.
In his first major decisions as chief minister, Vijay announced 200 units of free electricity for households, the formation of a special task force to crack down on drug networks, and a dedicated women’s safety force along with a helpline aimed at strengthening security for women across the state.
Vijay now Tamil Nadu CM
Vijay’s first big moves:
– Order 1: 200 units free electricity for all households
– Order 2: Special task force against drug menace
– Order 3: Dedicated women safety force in T.N@_kritika_tiwari shares more details with @Prathibhatweets pic.twitter.com/wBYlstAey6
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 10, 2026
The TVK chief said his administration would prioritise education, healthcare, water supply, and welfare schemes for farmers and fishermen.
“Farmers and fishermen will be taken care of. All will be good,” Vijay said while addressing supporters after the swearing-in ceremony.
‘I Know Poverty and Hunger’
In an emotional speech, Vijay spoke about his modest upbringing and positioned himself as a leader who understands the struggles of ordinary citizens.
“An assistant director’s son has now become chief minister. I know poverty and hunger. I did not come from a royal family. I faced hardships and humiliation,” he said.
Calling himself “a son and brother of the people,” Vijay thanked voters for placing their trust in him and his party.
#WARTCH | Vijay took charge at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat. Immediately after becoming Chief Minister, he took these three decisions:
– 200 units of free electricity
– A separate task force for women’s safety
– An anti-drug force pic.twitter.com/ao4htjVBUP— Media24india (@media24india) May 10, 2026
Sharp Attack on DMK
The newly sworn-in chief minister also launched a blistering attack on the outgoing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, accusing it of leaving the state burdened with massive debt.
“The DMK emptied the state coffers. We inherited a debt of ₹10 lakh crore. We will not allow public money to be looted,” Vijay asserted.
He promised that his government would usher in a “new era of secular and social justice politics” in Tamil Nadu.
Alliance Support Helped TVK Form Government
Vijay expressed gratitude to alliance partners, including Rahul Gandhi, for supporting the formation of the new government after a closely fought election.
Though Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party, it initially fell short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly. The party later secured backing from the Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Indian Union Muslim League, taking the alliance strength to 120 seats.
The victory marks Tamil Nadu’s first government in nearly six decades led by a party outside the traditional Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam dominance.
Vijay’s government is now set to face its first crucial test in the Assembly, where it must prove its majority before May 13.
