C. Joseph Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on 10 May, marking a historic transition from cinema icon to the state's top executive office. As the oath ceremony unfolded in Chennai, Vijay's father, veteran filmmaker S.A. Chandrasekhar, was visibly emotional, recalling a time when the family struggled for basic necessities.

A Father's Emotional Recall

S.A. Chandrasekhar told reporters that his son was born in 1974, at a time when Chandrasekhar himself was working as an assistant director with little financial security. "He (Vijay) was born in 1974. When he was born, I was an assistant director. I struggled for even food. That's that remembrance," he said.

Chandrasekhar described his son as someone who "always fulfils his promises" and said the swearing-in represented a long-cherished personal dream finally coming to fruition. "This was my dream, and my son has fulfilled that dream. He is now the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. If Vijay says something, he will definitely do it," he added.

He further noted that Vijay had maintained a consistent principle since childhood: "He speaks only about what he knows he can achieve."

Family and Party React with Pride

CM Vijay's niece Pallavi described the swearing-in as an "emotional and proud" moment for the family. TVK MLA Maria Wilson echoed that sentiment, saying the people of Tamil Nadu had waited three years for this moment. "The entire Tamil Nadu people are very happy to see their own son, their own brother, take oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," Wilson said.

Wilson also pushed back against sceptics who had doubted Vijay's political ascent, calling the oath ceremony a "reality" that silenced those who said it would never happen.

Vijay's First Address as Chief Minister

In his first public address after assuming office, CM Vijay drew on his personal history to frame his political identity. Describing himself as the son of an assistant film director who understood poverty and hunger firsthand, he said: "I am not someone who comes from a royal political background. I am one among you. I feel like your son, your brother, your younger sibling."

He credited the people of Tamil Nadu for elevating him to the position and pledged a governance model built on transparency, women's safety, welfare-oriented administration, and a corruption-free government.

White Paper on State Finances: A First

Notably, TVK MLA Maria Wilson highlighted that CM Vijay has announced a White Paper on state finances — a move Wilson described as unprecedented among Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers. The announcement signals an intent toward fiscal transparency from the outset of Vijay's tenure.

This comes amid heightened public expectations following a landslide electoral mandate, and sets a high bar for the new administration's first hundred days in office.