Tamil Nadu CM Vijay promises an inclusive government without corruption

Victory tour: Chief Minister and TVK President C. Joseph Vijay greets supporters at a gathering held in Tiruchi on Monday (June 1, 2026). | Photo credit: R. Vengadesh

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday (Jun 1, 2026) said the TVK-led government would be a “government for all” and would never compromise on secularism, state rights, river water sharing or social justice.

He was speaking at a public meeting organized to thank the voters of the Tiruchi East constituency from where he was elected to the Assembly (post vacancy) except Perambur in Chennai. Mr. Vijay promised the people of Tamil Nadu that he would ensure a corruption-free government. “I understand it’s not magic and it can’t be done overnight. But I will do it. I have no other job than to work for you,” he said, adding that everything would be done according to the constitution.

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Referring to criticism of his government, Mr. Vijay said those who had pledged to wait six months (before evaluating his performance) could not hold their tongues for even six days. “Within half an hour of forming the government, they started talking. They even shouted at a wedding,” he said.

He reaffirmed that DMK will remain TVK’s main political opponent and all other “formations” are irrelevant. Alleging that attempts were made to prevent TVK from forming the government, Mr. Vijay said the “evil force” (theeya sakthi) and the “exhausted force” (theeyintha sakthi) were planning to form the government and continue looting the state. “The moment you decided to maintain an alliance with a depleted force, the DMK became irrelevant,” Mr Vijay said while addressing DMK president MK Stalin.

Watch: CM Vijay’s full speech in Trichy: Why shouldn’t I wear a coat?

According to him, TVK broke the influence of caste, religion and money in the elections. The percentage of votes secured by the party was even higher than that achieved by MG Ramachandran, he pointed out, but was quick to clarify that he was not comparing himself to the AIADMK founder and former chief minister.

Hitting out at those who termed TVK supporters as tharkuri (illiterate), Mr. Vijay said he will not remain silent if they continue to speak ill of people. “The same people who voted for you voted for me,” he said.

Criticizing the law and order situation, Mr. Vijay blamed the rampant spread of drug abuse. Had the DMK nipped it in the bud, many women and children could have been saved, he said. “I have now appointed a team of executive officers. The ‘Singappen Kaval Padai’ will be inaugurated next week,” he said, promising speedy indictment, speedy trial and severe punishment.

Defending the farm loan waiver notice, Mr. Vijay said he had done everything possible within a month given the “financial mess” that needed to be rectified. Assuring farmers of his support, Mr. Vijay said he did not enter politics to lie or cheat people.

Taking an indirect look at DMK’s post-election social media, Mr. Vijay said parties that once ruled the political reels have now reduced themselves to following the news. He believed that TVK had created a new level of political awareness among the youth and women and expressed satisfaction that the citizens were now closely following the proceedings of the assembly. “Our youth and women should know what politics is. Such awareness has now been created,” he said. The prime minister also responded to comments on his choice of clothing. Defending his preference for a black-and-white suit, he said it reflected his attitude to dealing with everything in black and white.

Thanking the people of Tamil Nadu for their support, Mr. Vijay said he was especially grateful to the voters of Tiruchi East. “Just as Tiruchi is considered the heart of Tamil Nadu, Tiruchi East remains close to my heart,” he said. According to him, TVK would field a local candidate in the by-elections.

Published – 1 Jun 2026 22:53 IST