Vijay era begins in Tamil Nadu; signs first order for women’s safety

CHENNAI: In an emotional ceremony that captivated thousands, Thalapathy Vijay took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Taking the oath in the name of God, saying, "I, C. Joseph Vijay...", the actor-turned-politician turned the official ceremony into a platform for gratitude and vision.

Unlike the usual practice of strictly reading from the prepared text, Vijay added a personal touch, sounding confident and cinematic. At one point, Governor Rajendra Arlekar intervened, reminding him to stick to the written oath. Closing his speech, Vijay told the crowd, "Be confident, only good things will happen. Victory is certain. When crores of people are with me, we can handle anything."

After the Governor completed the official formalities and left the venue, Vijay used the same stage to share his vision for governance with the people. In front of the audience, he signed his first official order as Chief Minister. The order was related to the formation of a special squad for women’s safety. This is the first time a Chief Minister has signed an official order on the swearing-in stage itself.

Vijay then addressed the gathering and thanked the people, while also outlining how his government would function.

Tens of thousands of people gathered inside and outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to witness the moment when the “Thalapathy” assumed office. After 59 years of rule by Dravidian parties, power has now passed into Vijay’s hands.

Vande Mataram sung first

1. Breaking from tradition, the ceremony began with the singing of “Vande Mataram,” followed by the National Anthem. The Tamil Thai Vazhthu, considered a symbol of Tamil pride, was sung afterwards.
2. Along with Vijay, nine ministers took oath, including N. Anand, Aadhav Arjun, Dr K.G. Arun Raj, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmal Kumar, Rajmohan, Dr T.K. Prabhu, and S. Keerthana. No Congress members were sworn in as ministers.
3. Several political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, attended the ceremony. Vijay’s parents, S. A. Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar, were seated in the front row. Film personalities, including Trisha Krishnan and Jai, were also present.
4. Vijay thanked the leaders of the Congress, CPM, CPI, VCK, and Muslim League for supporting his government. TVK, which has 107 members, secured a majority with the support of these parties. After the ceremony, Vijay reached the Secretariat and officially assumed charge.

Will not touch public money
“There will be no other power centre apart from me. I alone will be the centre of authority. I will never do wrong. I will not touch even a single paisa of public money.”
-Vijay