PM Modi congratulates Vijay, promises full support to Tamil Nadu government

In a post on X, Modi wrote: “Congratulations to Thiru C. Joseph Vijay upon assuming the office of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Best wishes for his tenure to be an outstanding one. The Central Government will continue to work in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Government to improve the lives of the people.”

Vijay responded and said: " I extend my sincere gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister Thiru @narendramodi Avl for his kind wishes on my assumption of office as the Chief Minister."

TVK chief Vijay began his first day in office with a series of headline-grabbing announcements shortly after taking oath on Sunday, including free electricity, action against drug abuse and enhanced measures for women’s safety.

Opening his first public address with the phrase “En Nenjil Kudiyirukkum” — Tamil for “who lives in my heart” — Vijay struck an emotional chord, echoing the signature phrase he often uses while addressing his fans.

First three orders signed

In his first official acts as chief minister, Vijay announced:

200 units of electricity free of cost
A special task force to tackle the drug menace
A dedicated force and helpline for women’s safety

He said his government would remain focused on core issues such as education, healthcare and water supply.

“Farmers and fishermen will be taken care of. All will be good,” he said.

Vijay thanks allies, Rahul Gandhi attends ceremony

Vijay thanked alliance partners, including Rahul Gandhi, Praveen Chakravarty and M A Baby, for backing him during the election and the government formation process.

Rahul Gandhi was present on stage during the swearing-in ceremony held in Chennai.

Coalition drama before swearing-in

Vijay’s oath-taking followed nearly a week of political uncertainty after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party but fell short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

TVK later secured support from the Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Indian Union Muslim League, taking the alliance tally to 120 seats.

The development paved the way for Tamil Nadu’s first non-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and non-All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government in nearly six decades.

Vijay’s next major challenge will come in the Assembly, where his government must prove its majority before May 13.