White paper on DMK govt's finances, free power: Chief Minister Vijay's first moves

The first file Vijay signed approved the rollout of 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers. Another cleared the creation of a special force dedicated to women's safety. He also okayed a proposal to set up an anti-drug unit in every district, fulfilling his promise to tackle the alleged drug menace in the state.

In Short

• C Joseph Vijay starts CM tenure by signing key files
• Vows transparent, honest governance in Tamil Nadu
• Assures stable government with no multiple power centres

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay began his tenure as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday by signing a series of files, moving quickly to fulfil his key poll promises.

The first file he signed approved the rollout of 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers. Another cleared the creation of a special force dedicated to women’s safety. He also okayed a proposal to set up an anti-drug unit in every district, fulfilling his promise to tackle the alleged drug menace in the state.

However, the most significant announcement made by Vijay after the oath-taking ceremony was directed at his political rival, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He said a white paper on the state’s finances for the 2021-2026 period would be released.

“The DMK government has left us with a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore. I want to tell you all how much debt the previous government has left, the burden they have left on me,” he said.

'TRANSPARENT ADMINISTRATION IN STATE'

Addressing the audience after taking oath as the Chief Minister, Vijay promised to provide a transparent administration and vowed to fulfil every promise his party made in its manifesto.

"I will try to fulfil all my promises if you give me the opportunity and the support," he said amid thundering applause from the audience.

Taking a swipe at the AIADMK, which was reportedly exploring the possibility of forming a government with external support from the DMK, Vijay said he would carry out his responsibilities transparently and not behind closed doors.

Vijay reiterated that education, food supply, healthcare and women's safety would remain his key focus areas, though he did not outline a detailed roadmap.

CONCILIATORY TONES

In his first address after assuming office as Chief Minister, Vijay also sought to allay concerns over the stability of the government. He made it clear that there would be no multiple power centres, adding that he would remain the sole authority in the administration.

His statement assumes significance as the government only has a wafer-thin majority of 120 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, with multiple smaller parties holding the government in place.

The actor-turned-politician also struck a conciliatory note, promising to take even his detractors along in Tamil Nadu’s development journey.

“Even those who criticised and humiliated me are my people,” he said.

MESSAGE TO HIS SUPPORTERS

Addressing his supporters, many of whom are GenZ and Millennials, Vijay emphasised that he would do everything for them.

"You are my life. To my young nanba and nanbis, Vijay mama will do everything good for you," he said. Fans of Vijay are commonly referred to as “Nanba” (male friend) and “Nanbi” (female friend), Tamil terms meaning "friend".

He did not fail to acknowledge the hard work of his cadres, who worked for two straight years to help the debutant party gain power.

"Without you (cadres) I'd be nothing. My dear virtual warriors and to everyone, thanks a lot," he said.

- Ends