Vijay’s first orders as Tamil Nadu CM: Free power, drug crackdown, women’s safety push

Opening his first public address with the phrase “En Nenjil Kudiyirukkum” — Tamil for “who lives in my heart” — Vijay struck an emotional note often associated with the way he addresses his fans.

First three orders signed

In his first official acts as chief minister, Vijay announced:

200 units of electricity free of cost
A special task force to tackle the drug menace
A dedicated force and helpline for women’s safety

He said his government would also remain focused on core issues such as education, healthcare and water supply.

“Farmers and fishermen will be taken care of. All will be good,” he said.

‘I know poverty and hunger’

In a deeply personal speech, Vijay highlighted his humble beginnings and said he understood the struggles of ordinary people.

“An assistant director’s son has now become a chief minister. I know poverty and hunger. I did not come from a royal family. I faced hardships and humiliation,” he said.

“I am like your son, your brother, your younger sibling. You gave me a place in your heart and accepted me.”

Attack on previous government

Vijay also launched a sharp attack on the outgoing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, alleging poor finances.

“The DMK cleaned up state coffers and we have taken over with ₹10 lakh crore debt. We will not take a single penny from people’s funds and we will not allow anyone to loot the state,” he said.

He promised a “new era of real, secular, social justice” under his administration.

Vijay thanks allies, Rahul Gandhi on stage

Vijay thanked alliance partners including Rahul Gandhi, Praveen Chakravarty and M A Baby for backing him during the election and government formation process.

Rahul Gandhi was present on stage during the swearing-in ceremony in Chennai.

Coalition drama before swearing-in

Vijay’s oath-taking followed nearly a week of uncertainty after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single largest party but fell short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

TVK later secured support 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 tally to 120 seats.

The development paved the way for Tamil Nadu’s first non-DMK, non-All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government in around six decades.

Vijay’s next major test will come in the Assembly, where his government must prove its majority before May 13.