Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reported to have spoken to newly-minted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Sunday and congratulated him on assuming office.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also extended her hearty wishes to Vijay for an “impressive victory” in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader was sworn in as Chief Minister that day.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee congratulated Vijay on being sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Vijay announced 200 units of free electricity per billing cycle for domestic consumers, with the entitlement limited to those who use up to 500 units in two months.
Vijay stated that the state was saddled with a debt of over ₹10 lakh crore and the state treasury was completely emptied, leaving an unbearable burden.
Vijay announced the formation of 65 anti-drug squads across the state and a dedicated women security force called ‘Singa Pen Sirappu Athiradi Padai’.
Stating that Tamil Nadu’s debt level is within permissible limits, MP Stalin advised CM Vijaya not to “deceive the people” and urged him to focus on governance and fulfilling election promises.
According to PTI sources citing sources, the two leaders spoke over the phone during which PM Modi extended his greetings and congratulated Vijay on becoming the Chief Minister of the state.
Earlier, in a post on X, PM Modi congratulated Vijay and said the central government will continue to work with the state government to improve people’s lives.
“I congratulate Thiru C. Joseph Vijay on being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. We wish him all the best in his future tenure. The Central Government will continue to work with the Government of Tamil Nadu to improve the lives of the people,” PM Modi said.
Banerjee said the result represented the hope, confidence and democratic mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu.
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“Heartiest congratulations to Tamilaz Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for their impressive victory in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026. I also convey my warm wishes to Shri @TVKVijayHQ to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,” Banerjee said.
She added, “This verdict reflects the aspirations, confidence and democratic will of the people of Tamil Nadu. I am confident that under his leadership, Tamil Nadu will continue its journey of progress, prosperity and inclusive development. I wish him and his government success in serving the people with dedication and commitment.”
Vijay’s state note “burdened with debt”.
Soon after assuming office on Sunday, Vijay announced three measures aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises. The first was a scheme providing 200 units of free electricity per billing cycle for domestic consumers, although eligibility is limited to those who use up to 500 units in a two-month period.
The announcement drew criticism on social media, with some users claiming that while he had promised 200 units of free electricity for all, the new terms limit who can actually benefit.
He also announced the creation of 65 anti-drug squads across the state to crack down on drug crime.
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In a further step, he announced a dedicated security unit for women called ‘Singa Pen Sirappu Athiradi Padai’ and said it would ensure quick response to complaints related to women’s security.
But the initiatives come alongside several remaining electoral commitments that the new government must address amid what it has called a large debt burden.
“I have to tell you about the current state of the Tamil Nadu government. The state is saddled with debt beyond measure ₹10 lakh crore and the coffers were completely emptied, leaving an unbearable burden,” Vijay stated.
He said his government-led party stepped in to take responsibility under the circumstances.
TVK election program
Vijay’s election manifesto contains several social welfare promises such as monthly assistance ₹2,500 for women under 60, free gold (8 grams of 22 carat jewelry worth approx. ₹1.13 lakh) per marriage and six free cooking gas cylinders per household per year.
He also promised a gold ring for every new born in Tamil Nadu under the ‘Thai Maman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’ (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme) along with a ‘Baby Welcome Kit’ which contains nutritional items and clothes for infants.
For economically weaker brides, he promised, in addition to gold, silk saris as well as interest-free loans up to ₹5 thousand for self help groups led by women. He also assured voters of corruption-free governance if elected in their first election contest.
In the field of education, the manifesto proposes an annual ₹15,000 supports payments to mothers or guardians of children studying in the government and helps schools reduce dropout rates. It also includes plans to set up 100 residential schools named after former leader K Kamaraj, along with education loans of up to ₹20 lakh and initiatives like AI University, AI City and dedicated AI Ministry.
On agriculture, the party has promised a complete loan waiver for farmers who own less than five acres of land and a 50% waiver for those with larger plots. It also proposed minimum support prices ₹3,500 per quintal for paddy and ₹4,500 per tonne of sugarcane.
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To tackle unemployment, the manifesto pledges five million government jobs, the same number of paid internships and monthly assistance up to ₹4000 for unemployed graduates. He also promises to review the old pension system for civil servants and regularize contract workers, including nurses.
In health, the party proposed a drug-free Tamil Nadu, modernized hospitals, free annual health check-ups and ₹25 thousand family health insurance system.
Other promises include a ₹3000 monthly pension for the elderly and disabled, legalization of land development and universal access to piped drinking water.
The manifesto also proposes time-bound delivery of essential government services such as certificates and land records, door-to-door delivery of food rations, and streamlined procedures to ensure speedy business approvals, including issuance of licenses within 21 days.
