Tamil Nadu swearing-in Highlights | Vijay vows 'white paper' on DMK govt's finances, assures transparent governance

Newly-appointed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Sunday promised to release a "white paper" related to the finances of the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in the state.

In his first speech after being sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM, Vijay expressed his will to run a "transparent government", noting that he would perform all actions "openly." He also accused the previous DMK government of emptying the state's treasury.

"After reviewing everything, I intend to release a white paper to the people. I want my government to be a transparent government. That is the very first thing I want to do. As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, if I need to meet someone, I will not do it secretly or behind closed doors. Whatever I do, I will do openly and transparently. I request all of you to give me some time. I will gradually fulfil everything I have promised and will sincerely strive to implement them. This is your government. I will ensure strict safety for women," CM Vijay said.

Pointing out the 'poor financials' of the state, while blaming DMK, Vijay continued, "Today, the condition in which our Tamil Nadu government has been left is something I have seen for myself. The last government has gone out after borrowing debts of more than ₹10 lakh crore; the treasury has been completely emptied before they left office. It is in such a situation that we have taken charge. I am not saying this for effect; only after going inside and seeing things firsthand can one understand what is there and what is not."

— Inputs from PTI

TVK founder Vijay, immediately after taking over as the Chief Minister on Sunday, signed papers allowing 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, for setting up a special force for women's safety and also for anti-drug trafficking units across the state.

In his maiden address at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here after taking over as the Chief Minister, Vijay said a new era of a regime committed to "real secularism and social justice" commenced now.

He asserted that there will not be any power centres other than him and emphasised that he will be the only centre of power.

He thanked the Congress, VCK, IUML and Left parties for extending support to his party to form the government.

He specially thanked the children and said it was due to them that the TVK won as they persuaded their families to vote for his party.

— Inputs from PTI

C Joseph Vijay was sworn-in as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday in a colourful ceremony attended by top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, ushering in the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in the southern state in 60 years.

His cabinet was a mix of young and the experienced, with the 51 year-old actor-turned-politician's core team finding place in his maiden ministry.

In his first address, Vijay said he was not from any royal lineage and that people welcomed and accepted him. He said he will not deceive people with false promises.

A fresh, new governance has started and a new era of real, secular, social justice starts now, he added.

— Inputs from PTI

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi write, “Congratulations to Thiru C. Joseph Vijay on taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Best wishes for his tenure ahead. The Central Government will keep working with the Tamil Nadu Government to improve the lives of people.”

CM Joseph Vijay signs first file for 200 units free electricity for domestic consumers.

CM Joseph Vijay signs file for special force for women's safety.

Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu chief minister.

Meanwhile, Arlekar has approved the recommendation of CM-designate Vijay on the appointment of 9 ministers, the Lok Bhavan said in a release.

The new Cabinet comprises a woman minister S Keerthana.

"C Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister-designate has recommended a list of nine persons to be appointed as Ministers on May 9. The Governor has approved the recommendation regarding the appointment of the ministers," the release said.

Arlekar is expected to administer the oath of office to the new Cabinet of Vijay that includes ministers: 'Bussy' N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K A Sengottaiyan, besides K G Arunraaj, P Venkataramanan, C T R Nirmal Kumar, A Rajmohan, Keerthana and K T Prabhu.

Vijay is expected to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly through a vote of confidence on or before May 13.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar leaves from Lok Bhavan.

He will administer the oath of office to TVK Chief C Joseph Vijay as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister shortly

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Rahul Gandhi welcomed by Congress leaders in Chennai

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi arrived in Chennai on Sunday and was welcomed by Congress leaders ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Former Tamil Nadu Youth Congress president Vijay on Sunday said the Congress would “definitely” be part of the Cabinet in the government led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay.

Speaking in Chennai ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, he said the decision on when Congress ministers would join the Cabinet would be taken by the party high command and the TVK leadership.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Actor Trisha Krishnan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, where TVK Chief C Joseph Vijay will take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, shortly.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has approved Chief Minister-designate Vijay's recommendation for the appointment of nine ministers, Lok Bhavan confirmed.

The nine ministers approved by the Governor include senior TVK leaders Bussy Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K.A. Sengottaiyan and S. Keerthana, among others. All nine are set to be sworn in alongside Vijay at Nehru Stadium in Chennai later today.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: TVK Chief C Joseph Vijay ha arrived at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, where he will take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu shortly.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Parents of TVK Chief Vijay at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, where TVK Chief Vijay will take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu shortly.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Actor Trisha Krishnan leaves from her residence in Chennai

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: TVK Chief and CM-designate Vijay leaves from his residence.

He will take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu today at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: “Some collabs change the game (fire emoji) Rahul Gandhi (shake hand emoji) Vijay,” wrote INC Tamil Nadu’s official X (formerly Twitter) account while posting a video to celebrate the Tamil star’s win. The video is an AI-generated recreation of Nelson Dilipkumar’s KH x RK reunion video. It shows the politician dressed similarly to the veteran stars.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Only Vijay and 9 TVK MLAs will take oath at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium today. Alliance Congress is not likely to be sworn in today.

Tamil Nadu swearing-in LIVE Updates: Tamil Nadu DIG Dharmarajan visited TVK chief Vijay's residence on Sunday morning, presenting a bouquet and briefing the Chief Minister-designate on security arrangements and protocols ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled later in the day in Chennai.