Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay briefly departed from the official oath script during his swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, prompting an intervention from Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

The much-anticipated ceremony marked a historic political moment in Tamil Nadu, with Vijay becoming the first leader outside the DMK and AIADMK formations in decades to assume the state’s top post.

As the Governor began administering the oath of office, Vijay initially appeared to move beyond the officially approved text and attempted to deliver a more personalised address.

“I, C Joseph Vijay, will stay true to the legally established Constitution of India.... as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, I will work honestly and dedicatedly to fulfil my responsibilities. I will adhere to the rule of law, work with honesty, remove hate, and will work honestly for all sections of the people. This I swear on god and take the oath,” Vijay said.

While making the statement, Vijay raised his right hand and clenched his fist in a gesture that supporters interpreted as a symbol of determination and strength.

Governor steps in during ceremony

The moment triggered loud celebrations among TVK supporters inside the stadium. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLA-elect A Rajmohan, who was standing behind Vijay, applauded enthusiastically while party cadres erupted in cheers.

Vijay’s parents, filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar, who were seated near the dais, appeared emotional during the moment.

Governor Arlekar then intervened and instructed Vijay to continue with the officially prepared oath text provided to him. After briefly seeking clarification from the Governor, Vijay proceeded to read out the oath from the written document.

He eventually completed the swearing-in by taking the oath in the name of God.

Historic political moment for Tamil Nadu

The swearing-in ceremony was held amid massive public attention after Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections. After days of political negotiations and support from alliance partners, Vijay secured enough backing to form the government.

The ceremony at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was attended by thousands of supporters, political leaders and celebrities, with elaborate security arrangements put in place across the city.

Vijay announces welfare measures after swearing-in

Shortly after the ministers in his cabinet took oath, Vijay announced three welfare initiatives linked to electricity, women’s safety and the eradication of drugs.

The announcements came within hours of him officially assuming office as Chief Minister.

With agency inputs