Chennai, May 10: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Sunday said he will be the sole “power centre” in the TVK-led government, and sought to identify himself as a commoner from humble origins.
Vijay said he was well aware of poverty and hunger as he was born as the son of an ordinary assistant film director who aspired to win in cinema by working hard.
In his maiden speech, the newly appointed chief minister assured that there will be only one power centre in his regime and that will be only him.
He further stated that a new beginning, new era has started.
“There is only one centre here, the centre under my leadership. A centre on this side, a power centre on that side, another power centre there – none of that exists, I’m telling you right now,” he said.
Further, he said, “I do not hail from any royal lineage, I am like you and I am like one among you, one among your family,” he said adding he was rather feeling like one of them, their son or brother.
He added: “It is a fresh, new beginning. A new era of real, secular, social justice starts…” Vijay paused, looked down, pointed at his wrist watch and added with a dramatic flourish: “Now!” This statement was greeted with thunderous applause, cheers and whistles.
Vijay was sworn-in as CM of Tamil Nadu, after his party TVK won the April 23 polls and clinched outside support to cross the 118 majority mark.
“As I have said before, I will not deceive you by making false promises,” the chief minister said.
“I have to tell you about the current status of the Tamil Nadu government. The state has been burdened with a debt exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore and the treasury has been completely emptied, leaving an unbearable burden.”
Vijay assured that he would be transparent and open.
“You have placed such a big responsibility on my hands. At the same time, I request you to give me some time as well. In a step-by-step manner, I will try to fulfil everything that I have assured. I will fulfil my assurances. At the same time, if you give me some time, it will be helpful and cooperative for me. This is your regime.”
The chief minister assured that he would be strict on women’s safety. “
He said his primary focus would be on ensuring basic amenities infrastructure covering education, PDS system-ration, medicine, drinking water, road and bus facilities.
Asserting that equality was his party’s unwavering fundamental principle, Vijay said, the TVK regime will stand with “minority brothers,” and there need not be any doubts about that.
“The face of Vijay is the face for (representing) Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. You can trust this Vijay 100 per cent,” he said and thanked the people for elevating him to the top public office in the state. (PTI)
