TVK Chief C. Joseph Vijay Sworn In as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister; PM Modi Congratulates
Chennai, May 10 (TNT): Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief and Legislature Party leader C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking a dramatic political rise for the actor-turned-politician whose party emerged as the single largest formation in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay at a colourful ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium amid tight security and attended by a packed gathering of supporters, political leaders, film personalities and invited dignitaries.
Nine other Ministers, including senior TVK leaders, were also sworn in as members of the new Council of Ministers.
Vijay took charge as Chief Minister after the May 4 Assembly election verdict saw TVK emerge as the single largest party in the 234-member House.
Following the results, several parties, including the Indian National Congress, VCK, IUML and Left parties, extended unconditional support to TVK to form the government.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam remained outside the alliance arrangement.
The Governor on Saturday invited Vijay to form the government after he submitted letters of support from 120 MLAs-elect.
The Governor also directed him to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly on or before May 13.
In his first address after assuming office, Vijay announced immediate welfare measures, including free electricity up to 200 units for domestic consumers.
He also promised transparent governance, enhanced women’s safety, a welfare-oriented administration and a corruption-free government.
“People have placed enormous trust in us. We will deliver an honest, transparent and people-centric government,” Vijay said in an emotionally charged address that drew loud cheers from party cadres.
After taking oath, Vijay greeted Governor Arlekar and later acknowledged supporters gathered inside and outside the stadium.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay on assuming office and extended his best wishes for his tenure ahead.
In a post on X, Modi said the Centre would continue working closely with the Tamil Nadu Government for the welfare and development of the people of the state.
Celebrations broke out across several districts of Tamil Nadu soon after the swearing-in ceremony, with TVK cadres bursting crackers, distributing sweets and holding victory rallies.
Members of the film fraternity, including actors, directors and producers, also congratulated Vijay on social media, describing his transition from cinema superstar to Chief Minister as unprecedented in recent Tamil Nadu political history.
TNT KS
