Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has appointed two senior IAS officers as official secretaries to newly sworn-in Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who took office on Sunday.

According to a state government order, Dr P. Senthil Kumar has been transferred from the Health and Family Welfare Department and posted as Additional Chief Secretary–Secretary I to the Chief Minister.

In a parallel appointment, G. Lakshmi Priya has been moved to the Chief Minister’s Office as Secretary II.

The administrative reshuffle is part of the initial formation of the new Chief Minister’s office structure following the change in leadership in the State.

Although the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) did not secure an outright majority in the 234-member Assembly, it has formed government with the support of allies including the Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M) and IUML. Together, the coalition commands the backing of 120 MLAs, crossing the 118-seat majority threshold required to govern.

Soon after assuming office, Vijay also announced three key public welfare initiatives focused on electricity supply, women’s safety and drug eradication, signalling his government’s early policy priorities.

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Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C. Joseph Vijay has been sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at Fort St George in Chennai. Following the oath-taking ceremony, he formally assumed office and later addressed a large gathering at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

Describing his administration as the beginning of a “new era” rooted in “real, secular and social justice,” Vijay said his entry into politics was motivated by a desire to “repay the debt” he owed to the public after his career in cinema. He positioned himself as an ordinary citizen, stressing that he does not come from a privileged background and identifying himself as part of the common people’s family.

“I do not come from a royal family. I am just like your son, your daughter, your elder brother, or your younger brother,” he said.

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Outlining his governance agenda, Vijay promised transparency and accountability in administration. He announced that his government would publish a white paper after reviewing the state’s financial situation, and alleged that the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government had left Tamil Nadu with debts exceeding ₹10 lakh crore and a depleted treasury.

He further assured that his government would function openly, stating that major decisions would not be taken behind closed doors and would instead be carried out in a transparent manner.