Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay signed three executive orders on his first day in office on Sunday, launching a women’s safety wing, doubling free household electricity, and ordering dedicated anti-drug units in every district of the state.

The first file Vijay signed after taking oath at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium constituted a new special security unit for women’s safety, named “Singappen Athiradi Padai.” The state government said the wing will operate exclusively to strengthen women’s security across all regions of Tamil Nadu.

He then approved a scheme providing 200 units of free electricity once every two months for households, doubling the existing 100-unit benefit. A third order set up dedicated anti-drug prevention units in every district as part of the new government’s stated push for a “drug-free Tamil Nadu.”

Speaking at his swearing-in, Vijay told supporters he had not come from a privileged background and understood poverty and hunger as the son of an assistant director who had struggled in cinema. “I am one among your family,” he said, framing his political entry as repayment of a “debt of gratitude” to the public. He said he would do what was “realistically possible” rather than promise miracles, acknowledged the criticism he had faced during his political journey, and thanked supporters who stood with him.

Vijay also claimed Tamil Nadu was burdened with debts exceeding Rs. 10 lakh crore and alleged the state treasury had been “completely drained,” promising a white paper on the state of public finances. “We will first present a report on the condition of the Tamil Nadu government to the people and then move forward,” he said. “I will not do anything secretly. Everything will be transparent.” He pledged that no one in his administration — including allies — would be spared if found to have committed wrongdoing.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief is the first leader from outside the DMK and AIADMK formations to head Tamil Nadu since 1967, and has been directed by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to seek a vote of confidence in the assembly on or before May 13.

Source: Ada Derana.