Vijay goes off script

Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay attempted to turn his oath-taking ceremony into a broader political statement after briefly departing from the official oath text during the swearing-in ceremony at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.“I will adhere to the rule of law, work with honesty, remove hate, and will work honestly for all sections of the people. This I swear on god and take the oath,” he said raising his right hand into a fist. His gesture drew loud cheers from party workers and supporters.Governor Arlekar, however, intervened and asked Vijay to confine himself to the official oath text. Vijay then sought clarification from the governor and completed the oath from the written document provided to him.

Tamil song controversy

The Communist Party of India criticised the conduct of Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony, objecting to the order in which songs were played during the government function.CPI State Secretary M Veerapandian questioned why ‘Tamil Thai Vaazhthu’ was not given priority during the event.“The Tamil invocation must always be accorded priority in Tamil Nadu government functions. Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam should ensure that what happened during the swearing-in ceremony is not repeated in future,” he said.Veerapandian said the established practice in Tamil Nadu was to begin official programmes with ‘Tamil Thai Vaazhthu’ and conclude them with the national anthem. He also objected to the inclusion of ‘Vande Mataram’ before the Tamil invocation.Also read: Row over national song at TVK chief Vijay’s swearing in escalates

Vijay holds secretariat meeting

After assuming office, Vijay chaired his first review meeting at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat on the state’s law and order situation.The meeting was attended by chief secretary M Saikumar, additional chief secretary to the Home, Prohibition and Excise Department K Manivasan, director general of police Sandeep Rai Rathore, additional chief secretary to the chief minister P Senthilkumar, secretary to the cheif minister G Lakshmi Priya, principal secretary of the public department Rita Harish Thakkar and senior police officials.He called for a “new era” of secular, transparent governance, announced a forthcoming white paper on state finances, alleged the previous government left over ₹10 lakh crore debt and an empty treasury, and prioritised education, infrastructure, water and women’s safety, while approving 200 units of free power and special task forces on drugs and women’s safety.

17th Tamil Nadu assembly scheduled

The Tamil Nadu assembly secretariat announced that the first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu legislative assembly would begin at 9.30 am on Monday, May 11, at the assembly chamber in Chennai.Newly elected MLAs will take oath during the session.The election of the speaker and deputy speaker of the assembly is scheduled to take place at 9.30 am on Tuesday, May 12, according to an official release.

Tamil Nadu appoints ex-DMK MLA as Pro-tem speaker

Newly elected TVK MLA MV Karuppaiah was sworn in as the Pro-tem Speaker of the Tamil Nadu assembly by governor Arlekar in the presence of chief minister Vijay.Karuppaiah, elected from Sholavandan constituency, will administer the oath to newly elected MLAs.An official release from the assembly secretariat also said Vijay had resigned from the Tiruchirappalli East Assembly constituency before assuming office and retained the Perambur seat.