Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, congratulated Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay on his swearing-in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday.
“My warmest wishes to the new Tamil Nadu government and to Mr @actorvijay, who has taken over the charge of Chief Minister,” Stalin said.
In a post on X, the DMK leader pledged that the party will raise the voice of the people as the primary opposition in the state assembly. The DMK chief also thanked MK Stalin for making him the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
“At this moment, my heartfelt thanks to the DMK President, my life and my soul @mkstalin, who has entrusted me with the huge responsibility of serving as Leader of the Opposition in the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly; to the DMK General Secretary and DMK Assembly members; to the DMK functionaries; to the contemporaries of our leader Kalaignar; and above all, to the people of Tamil Nadu!” He said.
“Following the directives of our party president, we will echo the voice of the people as a strong opposition in the Assembly, in the People’s Forum, and on social media. We will provide constructive criticism. As our leader said, we will work not just as an opposition, but as a good opposition. We will stand as a bridge between the people and the government from now on. For this responsibility entrusted to me by the people who trust me, I will be 100% honest. I will work hard!” Udhayanidhi added.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu witnessed one of the most dramatic political transformations in its recent history as actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay took oath as the state’s 13th chief minister, ending the decades-long political dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and ushering in what he called a “new era of true, secular and social justice”.
As thousands of supporters broke into cheers, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlikar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay and his Cabinet colleagues.
In his emotional maiden speech as Chief Minister, Vijay repeatedly highlighted his humble background and rejected any larger-than-life political image around him. He said to deafening applause: “My dear people, my family… I am not a divine messenger or a prophet. I am just an ordinary human being living a normal life. I will never deceive you with false promises. I will only promise what is possible.”
Vijay thanked the young voters and children who enthusiastically campaigned for him, and made a special mention of his Gen Z supporters, saying, “A special word of thanks to the young friends who call me ‘Vijay Mama’. It is because of them that all this has happened. I will repay your debt of gratitude by working for your future. Rest assured – this Vijay Mama will always be there for you.” The line instantly became one of the highlights of the online ceremony.
Describing his victory as a “new beginning”, the TVK founder announced: “Come, let us all give Tamil Nadu a fresh new government. This is the beginning of a new era of true, secular and social justice.”
