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Tamil Nadu: Vijay sworn in as CM; pledges real secular social justice and transparent governance
C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister and vowed a new era of real secular social justice with transparent governance. He announced a white paper on state finances and immediate measures including free electricity, women's safety units, and anti-drug trafficking efforts.
Why It Matters
The change signals a shift toward a TVK-led administration promising fiscal transparency and social justice, reinforced by a coalition with Congress and other parties.
Timeline
10 Events
Acknowledgment of support from political allies and gratitude to leaders
May 10, 2026
Vijay thanked TVK workers and top leaders of Congress, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, as well as leaders from Left parties, VCK and IUML.
Commitment to clean administration; no personal gain; single center of power
May 10, 2026
He said he would not take any public money unnecessarily and that there would be no other power centers; he would be the only centre of power in the government.
Sectors prioritized: education, ration, health, drinking water, roads and bus facilities
May 10, 2026
Vijay stated that the primary focus would be on education, ration (public distribution system), health care, drinking water, and road and bus facilities.
Anti-drug trafficking units to be established across Tamil Nadu
May 10, 2026
Anti-drug trafficking units are to be established across the State.
Special district-level force for women's safety established
May 10, 2026
A special force for women’s safety is to be set up in every district.
200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers approved
May 10, 2026
The government signed papers enabling 200 units of free electricity to domestic consumers as an immediate measure.
White paper on state finances to be released
May 10, 2026
Vijay announced that the government would release a white paper detailing Tamil Nadu's current financial condition, citing a debt of over ₹10 lakh crore and an empty treasury as the context for taking office.
Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister; maiden speech
May 10, 2026
C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the chief minister. In his maiden speech, he said the move marked the beginning of a 'real secular social justice', promised transparent governance, and stated the government would be the people's welfare-focused administration.
Coalition partners ready to back Vijay; Congress expected to join cabinet
April 23, 2026
The TVK alliance indicates Congress is expected to be part of Vijay's cabinet, while CPI, CPI(M), IUML and VCK offered unconditional outside support.
TVK wins 108 seats in Tamil Nadu Assembly polls; forms alliance with Congress, Left, IUML and VCK
April 23, 2026
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, forming an alliance with Congress, Left parties, Indian Union Muslim League and VCK.