Popular actor C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as Chief Minister of India’s Tamil Nadu state on Sunday.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath at the Nehru Indoor Stadium.

Following the ceremony, Vijay signed three key files introducing 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, a special women’s safety force with a dedicated helpline, and a new anti-drug mechanism.

Vijay, 51, secured support from 120 MLAs across multiple parties, including the Congress.

The governor has asked him to seek a vote of confidence in the assembly by Wednesday, May 13.

In his address, Vijay emphasised strong governance, warning against lawlessness and asserting, “There will be only one power centre, that is me.”

He criticised the previous ruling party for leaving the state in a poor condition and promised to present a white paper on state finances.

The chief minister pledged transparent governance, real secularism, and social justice, recalling his humble upbringing and hardships before entering films.

He affirmed that his government would protect the rights of all communities, saying, “I represent Hindus, Muslims, and Christians… This is a new beginning and a new era of social justice starts today.”

Vijay thanked supporting parties, including Congress, CPM, CPI, and VCK, and referred to Rahul Gandhi as “brother.”