Transparency, no compromise in the safety of women, cracking down on drug-related offences, maintenance of law and order, ensuring basic amenities, accountability over public funds, no power centres were among the ideas Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has for his TVK government. Underlining there was about ₹10 lakh crore as debt, Mr. Vijay said a White Paper on the State’s finances would be released.

In a break from tradition, Mr. Vijay addressed a large gathering of his supporters at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Chennai soon after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister. He underlined the ideals that will drive his government. “As I said earlier, I will not deceive you with hollow promises.”

Maintaining he would not take a penny from public funds, Mr. Vijay said: “You all know that I don’t need it. Your Vijay will not make mistakes. Nor will he allow others to make mistakes. He [himself] would not leave anyone in his government [if they make mistakes].” If someone thought of making such mistakes, they should erase such ideas at this very minute, he said.

“There is only one power centre. That centre is headed by me. There is no other power centre either this side or the other side,” Mr. Vijay said. He said that his TVK government would take care of women, youths, farmers, government employees, teachers, working people, fishermen. He also assured that his government would protect those from minority communities.

Extending his thanks to children, Mr. Vijay said as their “uncle”, it was his duty to thank them and assured that he would undertake steps for their better future and called upon them to be confident of his government. Thanking his partymen, booth agents and “virtual warriors”, Mr. Vijay said: “Let us provide a fresh governance, a new governance.” “This is a new beginning, a new era of a real secular social justice starts now,” Mr. Vijay emphasized. He also welcomed leaders of the Congress, the CPI-M, the VCK, the CPI, the IUML and also thanked those who extended support to his party.

Recalling his childhood, Mr. Vijay said he knew what was it to be in poverty in life and what was it to be hungry. “I’m not from a royal family. I’m just like you all. I’m one among you. I’m one in your family. I’m like your brother.” Referring to various challenges that came his way, Mr. Vijay thanked his supporters who stood by him through his journey. “My people, I am not an angel. I am a common man like you all.”