From going off script to appointing ex-DMK MLA as pro-tem Speaker: Vijay’s eventful first day as Tamil Nadu CM | India News
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu C Joseph Vijay assumed office on Sunday, which began with a series of political, administrative and symbolic moves.Events leading up to the swearing-in ceremony include her having an unscripted moment, her first law and order review meeting at the secretariat, the welfare announcement, the appointment of a pro-tem speaker and a debate on protocol at the swearing-in ceremony.Vijay formally assumed charge after leading the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) to a historic victory in the 2026 assembly elections.
Vijay closes the script
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay tried to turn his swearing-in ceremony into a broad political statement after briefly walking out of the formal oath-taking ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.“I will abide by the rule of law, act with integrity, eliminate hatred and act with integrity for all classes of people. This I swear and swear in the name of God,” he said, raising his right hand into a fist.Governor Arlekar, however, intervened and asked Vijay to confine himself to taking the official oath. Vijay then sought an explanation from the Governor and administered the oath from a written document given to him.
Controversy over Tamil songs
The Communist Party of India criticized the conduct of the Victory Oath ceremony, objecting to the order that songs be played at official functions.CPI state secretary M Veerpandian questioned why ‘Tamil Thai Bhajthu’ was not prioritized during the event.“Tamil invitation should always be given priority in Tamil Nadu government functions. Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam should ensure that what happened during the swearing-in ceremony is not repeated in future,” he said.Veerpandian said the established practice in Tamil Nadu was to start the ceremony with ‘Tamil Thai Bhajthu’ and end with the national anthem. He also objected to the inclusion of ‘Vande Mataram’ before the Tamil invocation.
Vijay held a meeting at the secretariat
After assuming charge, 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 K Manivasan, Director General of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister P Senthilkumar, Secretary to Chief Minister G Lakshmi Priya, Principal Secretary Public Department 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 had over ₹10 lakh crore of debt and an empty treasury, and prioritized education, infrastructure, water and women’s protection, while approving 200 units of free drug access and special drug protection work.
17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly prescribed
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat has announced that the first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly will begin at 9.30 am on Monday, May 11 at the Legislative Chamber in Chennai.Newly elected MLAs will take oath during the session.The election of Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 12 at 9.30 am, an official notification said.
Tamil Nadu appoints former DMK MLA as pro-tem speaker
Newly elected TVK MLA MV Karupaiah was sworn in as Pro-Tem Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly by Governor Arlekar in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay.Karupaiah, elected from Sholabandan constituency, will administer the oath to the newly elected MLAs.An official statement from the Assembly Secretariat also said that Vijay had resigned from the Tiruchirappalli East Assembly constituency before assuming office and retained the Perambu seat.
