New Delhi, May 10: Actor-turned-politician Chandrasekhar Joseph Vijay on Sunday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message and expressed hope for active support from the Centre in Tamil Nadu’s development.
Vijay officially assumed office as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at a grand ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, a landmark moment in the state’s political history.
Following the swearing-in, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes to the new Chief Minister. Responding to the message on X, Vijay said,“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Thiru @narendramodi Avl for his kind wishes on my assumption of office as Chief Minister. Our sole objective is the welfare and progress of our people. We look forward to the active support and cooperation of the Union Government for Tamil Nadu’s continued growth.”
In his congratulatory post, PM Modi wrote,“Congratulations to Thiru C. Joseph Vijay on taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Best wishes for his tenure ahead. The Central Government will continue working with the Tamil Nadu Government to improve the lives of people.”
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of political leaders, film personalities, and supporters. Vijay highlighted that his government would usher in a “new beginning” focused on “real, secular, and social justice.”
Addressing the gathering, Vijay reflected on his journey from cinema to politics, emphasizing his connection with ordinary citizens.“I know very well about normal and common people's life. I was born to an ordinary assistant director. I do not come from a royal family. I am like your son, daughter, elder brother, or younger brother. It was because you saw me this way that you gave me such a great place in cinema,”he said.
He added,“Now, leaving all of that behind and entering politics to repay my debt of gratitude, you embraced me with so much love and affection. Throughout this journey, I faced countless hardships, but you stood beside me, sharing my struggles. Today, when I say, ‘I, Joseph Vijay…,’ it is because of your unwavering support.”
The ceremony was attended by leaders including Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, Vijay’s parents SA Chandrasekhar and Sobha Chandrasekhar, and actress Trisha Krishnan. Alongside Vijay, nine TVK leaders were sworn in as ministers in the party’s first cabinet, including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KA Sengottaiyan, KG Arunraj, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, TK Prabhu, and S Keerthana.
