C Joseph Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, assumed office as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking a historic break from nearly 60 years of alternating governance by the Dravidian stalwarts, the DMK and AIADMK.

The swearing-in took place at the iconic Nehru Stadium at 10 am, where Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy. The ceremony unfolded before thousands of cheering supporters, many breaking into continuous "whistling" as they welcomed the State’s new leadership. Among the senior dignitaries present was Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Mr Vijay was appointed Chief Minister-designate on Sunday, May 10, after securing the backing of 121 MLAs-elect in the 234-member Assembly. Support from the VCK and the IUML helped the TVK-led coalition reach the crucial majority threshold, following earlier letters of support from the Indian National Congress, CPI and CPI(M).

First administrative decisions

Within moments of taking charge, Mr Vijay cleared his first set of government files, three flagship orders that underlined his administration’s early priorities.

  1. 200 units of free electricity: The Chief Minister approved his first file granting 200 units of complimentary power for domestic users. The move, a key campaign promise, is positioned as a direct relief measure for households amid rising living costs.
  2. Creation of an anti-drug force: His second order establishes a dedicated anti-drug enforcement unit. The government aims to intensify its crackdown on narcotics networks and safeguard young people from addiction.
  3. Special force for women’s safety: A third directive authorises the formation of a specialised force focused on enhancing the security of women across the State. Mr. Vijay emphasised that his government would “ensure that women are given complete protection.”

Ministers sworn in

Nine Ministers were inducted alongside the Chief Minister. Those who took the oath, each invoking the name of God, include:

  • N Anand (Bussy Anand): MLA-elect for Thiyagarayanagar and the party’s General Secretary.
  • Aadhav Arjuna: MLA-elect from Villivakkam and head of Election Campaign Management.
  • Dr KG Arunraj: Former IRS officer, now General Secretary for Policy and Propaganda, representing Tiruchengodu.
  • KA Sengottaiyan: Veteran nine-time MLA and Chief Coordinator of TVK’s executive committee, who joined the party from AIADMK.
  • P Venkataramanan: Treasurer of TVK and MLA-elect for Mylapore.
  • R Nirmalkumar (CTR Nirmal Kumar): Joint General Secretary and MLA-elect from Thirupparankundram.
  • Rajmohan (Rajmohan Arumugam): Propaganda Secretary and MLA-elect for Egmore.
  • Dr TK Prabhu: Dentist-turned-politician, Sivaganga East District Secretary, elected from Karaikudi.
  • Selvi S Keerthana: MLA-elect from Virudhunagar, set to become the youngest face in the Cabinet.

Confidence vote ahead

The Governor has instructed the newly sworn-in Chief Minister to prove his majority in the Assembly on or before 13 May.