Power & policing: Vijay’s first orders for TN

AI Summary

The newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has enacted a series of welfare and law-and-order initiatives, including free electricity and special task forces for drug enforcement and women's safety. His government marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, moving away from traditional power structures.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay on Sunday signed his first set of official documents shortly after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, announcing a series of welfare and law-and-order measures including 200 units of free electricity, a special task force against drugs, and another dedicated to women’s safety.The first orders signed by Vijay focused on three key areas — household relief, anti-drug enforcement, and public safety — marking the new government’s opening policy priorities after the actor-turned-politician assumed office.Also read: TVK Vijay 'Thalapathy' takes oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, along with 9 ministersAccording to details released after the swearing-in ceremony, the newly signed orders include providing 200 units of free power supply to eligible consumers across the state. The government also announced the formation of a special task force to tackle drug-related crimes and narcotics networks.In another major decision, Vijay approved the creation of a dedicated special task force aimed at strengthening women’s safety and addressing crimes against women.Coalition arithmetic powers Vijay govtVijay took oath as Tamil Nadu chief minister at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium after days of intense post-poll negotiations and political uncertainty following the 2026 Assembly elections, which delivered a fractured mandate.TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling short of the majority mark of 118. Vijay eventually stitched together a coalition with Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI), CPI(M) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) to form the government.The development marked a dramatic shift in Tamil Nadu politics, effectively ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK-AIADMK binary in the state.The swearing-in came after Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar initially sought clarity on TVK’s majority support before inviting Vijay to form the government, triggering criticism from opposition leaders and alliance partners.Also read: Vijay’s blockbuster first day first show: The superstar who conquered Tamil Nadu politicsFrom cinema icon to CM’s officeVijay’s rise was widely seen as being driven by a mix of anti-incumbency sentiment, youth mobilisation and the political resonance of his long-established cinematic image.Over the years, films such as Kaththi, Mersal and Sarkar projected Vijay as a crusader against corruption and systemic failures, helping him cultivate a strong connect with younger voters and first-time electorate groups.Unlike traditional Dravidian leaders who rose through party ranks over decades, Vijay entered electoral politics with a massive pre-existing public following and transformed that popularity into a statewide political movement.Questions, however, remain over how TVK will navigate coalition pressures and transition from a personality-driven campaign platform into a stable governing administration as Vijay begins his tenure in office.