Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay on Sunday assumed office as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu and delivered his first address, calling his government “a new beginning” and promising secular and social justice governance after sweeping to power in the assembly elections.“This is a new beginning. A new era of real, secular, social justice starts now,” Vijay said after taking the oath at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Along with Vijay, nine other ministers were also sworn into the Cabinet. He asserted that there would be no power centres in the government apart from him.Thanking the people for supporting his political journey, Vijay said, “All of you asked me to enter politics, saying ‘we are with you,’ and today you have made me the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Every pain and hurdle I faced, you felt it as your own and stood beside me throughout this journey. I am not a messenger from God. I am just a normal human being. But when people stand together with me, I believe we can achieve anything and face every challenge together, whatever comes.”Also read | From KA Sengottaiyan to S Keerthana – what Vijay’s Tamil Nadu cabinet looks likePositioning himself as someone who rose from among ordinary people, he added, “I did not come from a prince’s family. I came from among you like a member of your family, like your brother. You embraced me with love and gave me a great place in the cinema.”Speaking at length about the financial strain inherited by his government, Vijay said, “When crores of people stand with me, I have the confidence and belief in my heart that together we can face anything, no matter what comes our way. Today, the condition in which our Tamil Nadu government has been left is something I have seen for myself. The last government has gone out after borrowing debts of more than Rs 10 lakh crore. The treasury had been completely emptied before they left office. It is in such a situation that we have taken charge.”The actor turned politician announced immediate action against drug abuse.“From today onward, I will begin taking strong measures to control drug abuse. It is our duty to save our youngsters from it. Likewise, I will ensure law and order and guarantee safety for everyone. Even if some people humiliate me, whether they are friends or enemies, all 8 crore people are still my people. My heart tells me that I must give complete attention to education, roads, drinking water facilities, and other essential services. As I said before, I will not touch even a single paisa of the people’s money.”Also read | PM Modi congratulates Vijay on taking oath as chief minister“After reviewing everything, I intend to release a white paper to the people. I want my government to be a transparent government. That is the very first thing I want to do. As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, if I need to meet someone, I will not do it secretly or behind closed doors. Whatever I do, I will do openly and transparently. I request all of you to give me some time. I will gradually fulfil everything I have promised and will sincerely strive to implement them. This is your government. I will ensure strict safety for women,” said Vijay.The TVK chief also reiterated his stand against corruption, saying, “I promise the people of Tamil Nadu that I will never misuse even a single rupee of public money. I have not entered politics for wealth, and all of you know that very well. I will never allow corruption or permit anyone to make money through corrupt practices. This government will belong to the people, and together we will build a stronger and better Tamil Nadu.“Soon after taking oath, Vijay signed his first set of official documents, including orders for 200 units of free power supply, the formation of a special task force to tackle drugs, and another special task force to ensure women’s safety.During his address, Vijay also thanked leaders from allied parties, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Selvaperunthagai, Praveen Chakravarthy, P Shanmugam, Su Venkatesan, Thol Thirumavalavan, Ravikumar, Vanniarasu and M Veerapandian. He also referred to leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi as his brother.TVK’s victory marked a new chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, ending decades of dominance by DMK and AIADMK.
