Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and his cabinet ministers took the oath as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) at the Chennai secretariat on Monday. Pro Tem Speaker M.V. Karuppaiah administered the oaths. Additional MLAs from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party will follow suit in the coming days.
Vijay Retains Perambur Seat After Resignation
Following his appointment as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay resigned from the Tiruchirapalli East constituency but chose to retain his membership from the Perambur seat. Ministers including N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr. K.G. Arunraj, and K.A. Sengottaiyan also swore in as MLAs.
Pledge for Transparent Governance in Maiden Speech
In his inaugural address after the swearing-in, Chief Minister Vijay committed to running a fully transparent administration. “After reviewing everything, I intend to release a white paper to the people,” he stated. “I want my government to be a transparent government. That is the very first thing I want to do.”
Vijay emphasized openness in decision-making, declaring, “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.” He urged the public to grant him time to fulfill election promises, adding, “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.”
The Chief Minister highlighted priorities such as women’s safety, education, road infrastructure, and drinking water supply. “I will ensure strict safety for women,” he affirmed. “My heart tells me that I must give complete attention to education, roads, drinking water facilities, and other essential services.” Vijay vowed not to misuse public funds, stating, “I will not touch even a single paisa of the people’s money.”
Criticism of State Finances and Initial Actions
Vijay pointed to the state’s challenging financial position, noting debts exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore accumulated by the previous administration. “Today, the condition in which our Tamil Nadu government has been left is something I have seen for myself,” he said. “The last government has gone out after borrowing debts of more than Rs 10 lakh crore; the treasury has been completely emptied before they left office.”
Immediately after the oath, the new Chief Minister approved key initiatives by signing the first set of documents. These include 200 units of free electricity supply and the formation of Special Task Forces to combat drugs and enhance women’s safety.
