Vijay Assumes Office as Tamil Nadu CM, Announces Free Power and Anti-Drug Measures

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, May 10, 2026: Newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Sunday announced a series of key welfare and governance measures, including 200 units of free electricity, a special task force to curb drug menace, and enhanced initiatives for women’s safety.

Addressing an emotionally charged gathering after taking oath, Vijay began his speech with the Tamil phrase “En Nenjil Kudiyirukkum” (“who lives in my heart”), a line he has frequently used while addressing his supporters.

In his first official orders as Chief Minister, Vijay announced free supply of 200 units of electricity to consumers, the formation of a special anti-drug task force, and a dedicated women’s safety force along with a helpline. He also promised focused attention on education, healthcare, water supply, farmers, and fishermen.

“An assistant director’s son has now become Chief Minister. I know poverty and hunger. I did not come from a royal family and have faced hardships and humiliation,” Vijay said, adding that he would not make false promises to the people.

Claiming that the previous DMK government had left the state with a projected debt of Rs 10 lakh crore by March 2027, Vijay asserted that his government would ensure transparency and prevent misuse of public funds.

Promising a “new era of real, secular and social justice,” Vijay thanked alliance partners, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Praveen Chakravarty, and Left leaders including CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby.

Vijay’s swearing-in came after days of political uncertainty following the Assembly election results, in which the TVK emerged as the single largest party but fell short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

The TVK later secured support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML, taking the alliance tally to 120 seats and paving the way for the first non-DMK and non-AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu in nearly six decades.

Meanwhile, DMK spokesperson A Saravanan claimed that former Chief Minister MK Stalin played a role in persuading alliance partners, including the VCK, to support the TVK-led coalition to avoid a “constitutional crisis”.

Nine ministers were sworn in alongside Vijay, including Aadhav Arjuna, CTR Nirmal Kumar, ‘Bussy’ Anand, Raj Mohan, KT Prabhu, Arunraaj, P Venkataramanan and 28-year-old S Keerthana, the youngest member of the cabinet.

The Vijay-led government is expected to face a floor test in the Assembly before May 13.