Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay outlines governance priorities in maiden speech after swearing-in

PTI, May 10, 2026, Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday said he will be the sole “power centre” in his-led government and sought to identify himself as a commoner from humble origins.

Vijay said he was well aware of poverty and hunger as he was born as the son of an ordinary assistant film director who aspired to succeed in cinema through hard work.

In his maiden speech, the Chief Minister assured that there will be only one power centre in his regime, and that will be him alone.

“There is only one centre here, the centre under my leadership. A centre on this side, a power centre on that side, another power centre there — none of that exists, I’m telling you right now,” he said.

Further, he said, “I do not hail from any royal lineage, I am like you and I am like one among you, one among your family,” adding that he felt like one among them, their son or brother.

Apparently, he was underscoring that he did not have the backing of any big established political family.

Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after his party, TVK, won the April 23 polls and clinched outside support to cross the 118-majority mark.

Since the people too felt that Vijay was one among them, they gave him the top position in cinema and, when he entered politics to repay his debt of gratitude to the people, they accepted his leadership with love and gave their unwavering support.

Vijay said that in his political journey, he and his supporters endured many difficulties and humiliations throughout. Thanking the people for standing with him through hardships and insults, he said he too was an ordinary man living a normal life and not an angel.

“As I have said before, I will not deceive you by making false promises,” he said, adding that he had confidence in achieving even difficult tasks with the support of crores of people.

“I have to tell you about the current status of the Tamil Nadu government. The state has been burdened with a debt exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore and the treasury has been completely emptied, leaving an unbearable burden.” He said his party-led government was taking over responsibility under such a situation.

His idea was to thoroughly assess the current state of affairs and then release a White Paper, striving for a transparent government before proceeding further.

Vijay assured that he would be transparent and open.

“You have placed such a big responsibility on my hands. At the same time, I request you to give me some time as well. In a step-by-step manner, I will try to fulfil everything that I have assured. I will fulfil my assurances. At the same time, if you give me some time, it will be helpful and cooperative for me. This is your regime.”

The Chief Minister assured that he would be strict on women's safety. “From today itself, I will take all the necessary steps and efforts to control the drug culture. It is the responsibility of our government to protect our children from it. Similarly, I will ensure upholding law and order and assure protection for everyone.”

Even those who humiliated him and caused him trouble “are also my people, are they not?” he asked. Whether they are friends or enemies, all eight crore people are his people.

He said his primary focus would be on ensuring basic amenities and infrastructure covering education, the PDS ration system, medicine, drinking water, roads, and bus facilities.

“As I have said before, I will not touch even a single paisa from the people's money. It is not necessary for me either, and you know that very well. Vijay will not indulge in delinquency and will also not allow others to do it. It may be anyone, including those with me in my government, I will not allow it.”

If anyone had thoughts of indulging in misdeeds, they must erase such thoughts, he said.

Women, youth, farmers, government employees, teachers, working people, and fishermen — everyone will be taken care of under the TVK government.