Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay on Sunday, after taking oath as Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, said it marked the beginning of “genuine secular social justice”, promising transparent governance and issuing a “white paper” on the state’s finances.
In his first speech, Vijay said: “I am not a messiah or an angel. I will not deceive you all by making false promises. I am also a common man like you. I too know the value of poverty and hunger.”
“The only goal is the well-being of the people,” he added.
Vijay vowed to establish “transparent” governance, promising that he would not meet anyone “in secret” or work behind “closed doors”.
As part of his immediate plans, Vijay claimed that the previous regime had left behind debts of more than 100%. $10 crore and left the ‘treasury empty’.
“It is only in such a situation that we take this responsibility (as prime minister) into our own hands. Only when we evaluate the financial circumstances do I feel that I must issue a white paper to all of you,” he said.
“We will issue an official report in a transparent manner to inform the public about the current financial situation of Tamil Nadu. After informing all of you about that, I just want to move forward from there. I think this will be my first priority (as chief minister),” he said.
The 51-year-old leader appealed to the public to give him time to fulfill his election promises and carry out governance reforms. “It is your government. I will keep it strict on women’s safety. Whatever steps are needed to control the drug menace, I will take them from today. It is the responsibility of our government,” he said.
Vijay also signed papers allowing provision of 200 units of free electricity to local consumers, setting up a special force in each district for women’s safety, and setting up anti-drug trafficking units across the state.
“I feel that the primary and most important attention should be focused on these basic things – education, ration (public distribution system), healthcare, drinking water, road and bus facilities,” Vijay said in his speech.
He stressed that he would not take even “a single paisa” from public money because it was not necessary, and was committed to providing clean administration.
He said in a strong tone: “I will not make any mistakes. I will also make sure that those with me in my government will not make any mistakes. Suppose if someone has such kind of thoughts, please erase them from your mind.”
Vijay explained that there will not be any centers of power other than him, stressing, “I will be the only center of power.”
“I will be the only center of power. There will be no other centers of power (in the party),” he said.
Addressing the minority members, he said the basic principle of the party is “equality by birth”.
“Therefore, dear minority brothers, our TVK government will stand by you. You need not have any doubt at all regarding this. This face of Vijay is the face of Hindus, Muslims and Christians,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude to TVK workers, he said: “Come, let us come together and give new governance (in Tamil Nadu). This is a new beginning. A new era of true secular social justice begins now.”
Vijay also expressed his gratitude to senior Congress leaders, including its president Mallikarjun Kharge, leader Rahul Gandhi, whom he called “my brother”, and leaders of the Left parties Viduthalai Chiruthigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Muslim League.
Vijay also made it clear that he would take welfare measures even for those who had “insulted” him and caused “difficulties” to him in the past, as they also belong to Tamil Nadu’s eight-crore population.
Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam emerged victorious in the assembly elections held on April 23, winning 108 seats, just short of the majority mark of 117 seats. It formed an alliance with the Congress Party, the Left parties, the Indian Union Muslim League, and the VCK.
While the Congress is expected to be part of Vijay’s government, other parties – CPI, CPI(M), IUML and VCK – have extended “unconditional” support from outside, meaning they have offered cooperation to form the government without seeking representation in the TVK government.
