Desk Correspondent , Chennai — Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, newly sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, comfortably won a legislative floor test on May 13 with an unexpected 144 votes. The victory was propelled by a major political rebellion, as 25 AIADMK MLAs defied their party whip to vote in favor of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader. Vijay’s alliance had previously secured 108 seats in the April 23 polls, allowing him to form a coalition government with Congress and Left allies before facing the decisive trust vote.
Following his swearing-in on May 10, the new Chief Minister immediately initiated a policy blitz, fulfilling key campaign promises despite inheriting a reported ₹10-lakh-crore state debt. Vijay signed executive orders doubling free domestic electricity to 200 units, launching an all-women security force, and establishing 65 anti-narcotic task force units. He additionally ordered the closure of 717 state-run TASMAC liquor outlets located near schools and places of worship, a move praised by supporters but expected to impact the state's substantial ₹48,000-crore annual liquor revenue.
However, the administration’s swift start faced immediate backlash over the appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty. The decision drew heavy criticism from opposition parties, rationalist groups, and allies, alongside a transparency challenge in the Madras High Court. In a rapid U-turn, the government withdrew the appointment within 24 hours. Defending his administration's integrity in the assembly, Vijay avoided direct mention of the controversy, stating only that his government would function with speed and not indulge in horse-trading.
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