From going off script to appointing former DMK MLA as pro tem speaker: Vijay’s eventful first day as Tamil Nadu chief minister. india news
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu C Joseph Vijay assumed charge on Sunday, beginning with a series of political, administrative and symbolic steps.The events leading up to the swearing-in ceremony included an unexpected moment for him, his first law and order review meeting at the Secretariat, welfare announcements, appointment of pro-tem speaker and a controversy over protocol at the swearing-in ceremony.Vijay officially assumed office after leading Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) to a historic victory in the 2026 assembly elections.
Vijay went out of script
After briefly breaking away from the official oath recitation during the swearing-in ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay attempted to turn his swearing-in ceremony into a broader political statement.“I will follow the rule of law, work honestly, shun hatred and work honestly for all sections of people. Raising his right hand into a fist, he said, “I swear by God and swear.” His gesture was loudly cheered by party workers and supporters.However, Governor Arlekar intervened and asked Vijay to confine himself to reciting the official oath. After this Vijay sought clarification from the Governor and completed the oath from the written document provided to him.
tamil song controversy
The Communist Party of India criticized the conduct of Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony, objecting to the order in which songs were played during government functions.CPI State Secretary M Veerapandian raised questions as to why ‘Tamil Thai Vazhathu’ was not given priority during the programme.He said, “Tamil call should always be given priority in Tamil Nadu government programmes. Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam should ensure that what happened during the swearing-in ceremony is not repeated in future.”Veerapandian said the established practice in Tamil Nadu is to begin official programs with ‘Tamil Thai Vaazathu’ and conclude with the national anthem. He also objected to the inclusion of ‘Vande Mataram’ before the Tamil invocation.
Vijay held secretariat meeting
After assuming office, Vijay chaired his first review meeting at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat on the law and order situation in the state.Chief Secretary M Saikumar, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Prohibition and Excise Department K Manivasan, Director General of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister P Senthilkumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister G Lakshmi Priya, Principal Secretary Public Sector Rita Harish Thakkar and senior police officers were present in the meeting.He called for a “new era” of secular, transparent governance, announced an upcoming white paper on state finances, alleged that the previous government left a debt of over Rs 10 lakh crore and an empty treasury, and prioritized education, infrastructure, water and women’s safety, while sanctioning 200 units of free electricity and medicines and special task forces on women’s safety.
17 Tamil Nadu Assembly scheduled
Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretariat announced that the first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly will commence on Monday, May 11 at 9.30 am in the Assembly Hall, Chennai.The newly elected MLAs will take oath during the session.According to an official release, the election for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at 9.30 am.
Tamil Nadu appoints former DMK MLA as protem speaker
Newly elected TVK MLA MV Karuppaiah was sworn in as Pro Tem Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly by Governor Arlekar in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay.Karuppaiah, elected from Sholavandan constituency, will administer oath to the newly elected MLAs.An official release from the assembly secretariat also said that Vijay had resigned from Tiruchirappalli East assembly constituency before assuming office and had retained the Perambur seat.