Moments after taking the oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay delivered an emotional yet fiery address that blended gratitude, personal reflection, political warning and promises of reform. Speaking before a roaring crowd at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium, the actor-turned-politician repeatedly positioned himself as “one among the people” while also making it clear that his government would function under a single authority – himself.
Beginning on a deeply personal note, Vijay reflected on his journey from a middle-class upbringing to becoming the state’s chief minister. Calling himself an ordinary man born into a modest family, he said he understood both poverty and hunger firsthand and insisted he had never lived a privileged life.
“I am just like you. I am one among you. I am part of your family,” he told the crowd, adding that he saw himself as the people’s son, brother and family member. He credited the public for first making him a star in cinema and then elevating him to the highest political office in the state.
Vijay also acknowledged the criticism, trolling and obstacles he faced after entering politics. Thanking supporters for standing by him through every challenge, he said people had carried his pain as their own and transformed his dream into reality.
In one of the speech’s most striking moments, Vijay rejected attempts to portray him as a larger-than-life saviour figure. “I am not a messenger of God,” he said, adding that he was simply a common man who would never make false promises. He assured supporters that he would work to the fullest extent of his ability and said their support gave him the courage to face any challenge.
Turning to governance, Vijay claimed Tamil Nadu’s finances were in crisis and alleged that the previous administration had left behind a debt burden of nearly ₹10 lakh crore. He promised that his government would release a white paper detailing the state’s financial condition before moving ahead with future plans. Stressing transparency, he asked the public for patience and assured them that every election promise would be implemented gradually.
The newly sworn-in chief minister said women’s safety and the fight against narcotics would be among his immediate priorities. Calling drug abuse a major threat to children and society, he promised strict action against illegal narcotics networks. Vijay also said his government would focus heavily on improving everyday necessities such as transport, drinking water and housing.
In a sharp political statement directed both at rivals and members of his own camp, Vijay declared that there would be “no power centres” in his administration.
“I am the only centre,” he said firmly, warning ministers and party members against corruption or misuse of authority. He added that he would neither make mistakes himself nor allow others around him to do so, regardless of their position within the government.
Vijay concluded the speech by thanking children, voters and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam cadre for helping him achieve victory. Calling for unity, he said Tamil Nadu was entering a “new era” rooted in secularism and social justice under his leadership.
The speech, filled with emotional pauses, thunderous applause and political messaging, marked Vijay’s first major address as chief minister and set the tone for what could become one of Tamil Nadu’s most closely watched governments in recent history.
