Vijay Thalapathy took oath as Chief Minister on Sunday. The oath ceremony began with the Vande Mataram song, followed by the National Anthem and Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.Right after swearing in, Vijay signed a host of orders to fulfill his campaign promises. These included providing 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, setting up special units for women’s safety, and creating anti-drug tracking units across the state.Free electricity is already available to residents in several states and union territories such as Delhi, Punjab, and Bihar. Women’s safety and curbing drugs were also set as high-priority issues by the government. Vijay signed the orders on his first day in office to show how fast he wants to address these issues.
Day One Orders: Free Power, Women Safety, Anti-Drug Drive
1 The first executive orders included:200 units of free electricity per month for domestic consumers.
2 Special initiatives for women’s safety across the state.Anti-drug tracking units to be set up in all districts to curb narcotics.
3 Free electricity for households has been a major campaign plank in several states and UTs including Delhi, Punjab and Bihar.
Vijay’s move aligns Tamil Nadu with that list. Curbing drugs and strengthening women’s safety were also highlighted as top priorities by the new government.
TASMAC Liquor Shops Near Sensitive Zones to Shut
On Tuesday, CM Vijay directed authorities to shut down 717 TASMAC liquor outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands within two weeks.According to state data, Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, TASMAC, currently runs 4,765 liquor shops across the state. A government survey identified 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutes, and 255 close to bus stands. The total outlets marked for closure stands at 717.Officials said the move aims to ensure stricter regulation of liquor outlets and address public concern over TASMAC shops near sensitive public spaces.
“Not a Rupee Will Be Misused”: Vijay’s Anti-Corruption Pledge
Addressing the public, Vijay reiterated his stance on clean governance.“I promise the people of Tamil Nadu that I will never misuse even a single rupee of public money. I have not entered politics for fame, and all of you know that very well. I will never allow corruption to prevail or permit anyone to make money through corrupt practices. This government will belong to the people, and together we build a stronger and better Tamil Nadu.”
A New Era of Secularism and Social Justice
Vijay said a new era committed to “real secularism and social justice” had commenced in Tamil Nadu. The emphasis on welfare schemes, regulation of liquor outlets, and zero tolerance for corruption set the tone for his administration’s first week.By signing key orders on Day One and ordering immediate action on TASMAC shops, the new CM sought to show urgency in addressing issues raised during his campaign.
Public Response:
Large crowds gathered outside the stadium and in several districts to watch the ceremony on LED screens. In Madurai, college student K. Priya said, “Free electricity will help my family save at least Rs. 800 each month. That’s huge for us.” In Coimbatore, auto driver R. Murugan welcomed the TASMAC move: “Shops near schools were a problem. Good that they are closing them.”
Opposition Parties:
AIADMK spokesperson D. Jayakumar called the announcements “old wine in a new bottle” and questioned funding. “200 units free is welcome, but where is the financial plan? TASMAC revenue funds welfare. If shops close, what is the backup?” he asked. DMK leader T. K. S. Elangovan said, “We will wait and watch. Promises are easy. Implementation is the test. We hope women’s safety does not remain on paper.”
By signing key orders on Day One and ordering immediate action on TASMAC shops, the new CM sought to show urgency in addressing issues raised during his campaign.
