CHENNAI: TVK chief C Joseph Vijay on Sunday was sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister after the May 4 verdict declared his party as the single largest in the assembly. In his first address after taking office, Vijay announced immediate welfare measures, including free electricity up to 200 units for domestic consumers. Seeking time from the public to deliver on his promises, he said his government would focus on performance and delivery. He urged people to give him reasonable time to ensure performance. He also struck a personal tone while describing his role as chief minister. “I am not an angel but a common man.” Taking on the previous DMK government, Vijay accused it of fiscal mismanagement and debt burden. He accused previous DMK regime of ‘burdening’ state with Rs 10 lakh cr debt.CM Vijay also said his administration would not have parallel power centers and asserted control over decision-making. “There will not be any power centers other than him, he will be the only center of power,” he said further. On governance transparency, Vijay said he was considering releasing a white paper on state finances. He added that his government would not mislead the public.CM Vijay also outlined his broader priorities, including governance reforms, welfare delivery and law and order and promised a ‘transparent govt.’ He again appealed for patience while warning against premature judgment of his government’s performance. On law and order, he said his government would act against drug abuse. “I will take steps from today to end drug culture,” he said. He also stressed women’s safety as a key priority. Listing his governance focus areas, he said education and transport would be central to his agenda. “My first focus will be on fundamental requirements like education and transport” He warned against misconduct within his own administration. “I will not let anyone commit mistakes, even those in my govt.” On social inclusion, Vijay said his government would stand by minorities.“I represent Hindu, Muslim and Christians,” he added. Thanking supporters, he credited children for his victory and called it a new beginning. Calling for collective effort, he said, “Lets all join together to give a fresh governance and added, this is a new beginning, a new era of social justice starts today.” In a political gesture, he referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a brother and also thanked leaders across parties, including Congress president Mallikharjun Kharge, Selvaperunthagai and Praveen Chakravarthy, CPM leaders P Shanmugam and Su Venkatesan, VCK leaders Thol Thirumavalavan, Ravikumar and Vanniarasu, and CPI leader M Veerapandian.
