‘I am one among you’: Vijay promises clean governance, women’s safety

In an emotional and politically charged first address after assuming office as chief minister of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday promised transparent governance, women’s safety and a corruption-free administration, while declaring that his government would belong to all eight crore people of the state.

Addressing a massive gathering shortly after taking oath at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief delivered an emotional speech blending personal reflection, political messaging and governance promises.

“Greetings to everyone who resides in my heart,” Vijay began, drawing loud cheers from supporters packed inside the stadium.

Recalling his journey from cinema to politics, Vijay said he did not come from political privilege and understood the struggles of ordinary people firsthand.

“I am not someone who comes from a royal political background. I am one among you. I feel like your son, your brother, your younger sibling. It is because you felt the same way that you brought me to this position,” he said.

The newly sworn-in chief minister grew visibly emotional while thanking people for standing by him through criticism, humiliation and political attacks during his rise in politics.

He said the love and support of the public had transformed “C. Joseph Vijay” from an individual into a larger political force in Tamil Nadu.

In a significant admission, Vijay revealed that Tamil Nadu was facing a severe financial crisis and said the state’s debt burden had touched nearly Rs 10 lakh crore.

“The full extent of the financial condition can only be understood from inside the administration,” he said, adding that his government would soon release a white paper detailing the state’s finances before taking major policy decisions.

Seeking patience and trust from the public, Vijay described the electoral mandate as a “huge responsibility” and assured that the new government would prioritise women’s safety, anti-drug measures, ration distribution, healthcare, drinking water supply and road infrastructure.

“Whether they are friends or enemies, all eight crore people of Tamil Nadu are my people,” he declared.

In one of the strongest moments of his speech, Vijay vowed to maintain a corruption-free administration and asserted that public funds would not be misused under his leadership.

“Not even a single paisa of public money will be wasted. Vijay will not commit any mistake, and he will not allow wrongdoing,” he said.

The actor-turned-politician also issued a pointed message to rivals attempting to destabilise the new government through political manoeuvring.

“Those who think they can play political games and shake this government should abandon such hopes. There is only one power centre here,” he asserted.

Vijay concluded the address by thanking women, youth, farmers, teachers, government employees, fishermen, children, alliance partners and TVK cadres for placing their trust in him.

Describing his government as “a fresh beginning” for Tamil Nadu, Vijay said the new administration would strive to restore public faith in governance while opening a new chapter in the state’s political history.

With IANS inputs