CM Vijay —
Day by Day

CM Vijay made his first visit to Karur district since assuming office and his first since the September 2025 stampede — meeting victims' families, handing over government job appointment orders to 32 individuals from affected families cleared by the Madras High Court, and announcing that TVK will build a memorial in Karur to honour the 41 victims. He addressed an emotional public meeting at Atlas Kalaiyaranga Ground, dressed in black, and laid the foundation stone for a private non-leather footwear manufacturing unit worth ₹1,700 crore, expected to create around 13,500 jobs. Around 6,500 police personnel were deployed for the visit.

DMK filed a fresh Supreme Court petition seeking to restrain CM Vijay and named ministers from public comment on the Karur case, days after a similar plea was declined by the same Court. Preparations for the two-day Karur visit (July 10–11) continued regardless, with TVK functionaries inspecting the visit venue.

CM Vijay made an unannounced inspection of the Government Hospital for Women and Children, Egmore — reviewing patient care, wards, cleanliness and medicine availability, and interacting with doctors, nurses and patients before directing officials to improve healthcare services. Separately, he held courtesy meetings at the Secretariat with the Chairman and Directors of the Daily Thanthi Group, the Vice Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group, and the Commander of the Eastern Region of the Indian Coast Guard.

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a DMK petition seeking restrictions on CM Vijay's public statements and visits related to the Karur stampede case, observing that it could not regulate the official functions of a democratically elected Chief Minister and remarking that courts should not be used as a political platform. The petitioner withdrew the plea following the Court's observations. CM Vijay's scheduled visit to Karur to meet victims' families and oversee relief measures remains on track.

CM Vijay inspected the Nemmeli Desalination Plant and the under-construction 400 MLD Perur Desalination Plant, directing officials to expedite the Perur project and ensure proper maintenance at Nemmeli — set to strengthen Chennai's long-term drinking water supply for over two million residents. Separately, he chaired a high-level review of higher education, directing officials to fast-track Vice-Chancellor appointments to 15 state universities and address faculty shortages, governance and quality across Tamil Nadu's universities.

No verified major public programme by the Chief Minister was reported.

CM Vijay visited the TVK party headquarters in Panaiyur, Chennai — receiving a warm welcome from party leaders and cadres who greeted him with celebrations and slogans. He held discussions with senior functionaries and district-level office-bearers on strengthening party organisation, accelerating the membership drive across all 38 districts, and reviewing future political programmes and activities.

In one of the largest single-day defections from AIADMK in recent months, former ministers Dr. C. Vijayabaskar, M. R. Vijayabhaskar, M. S. M. Anandan and S. Valarmathi formally joined TVK at a grand induction ceremony in Mamallapuram. Former MLAs, district office-bearers and thousands of grassroots cadres also joined. Departmental review meetings also continued with officials and ministers to monitor governance, infrastructure, welfare and budget progress.

CM Vijay launched a comprehensive month-long department-wise performance review of all Tamil Nadu government departments to assess delivery and accelerate implementation. Separately, the TVK government announced the reconstituted School Curriculum Design Committee — with former ISRO scientist and Chandrayaan Project Director Dr. M. Annadurai appointed as Chairman, marking a landmark step in CM Vijay's education reform agenda.

CM Vijay held a high-level meeting with leaders of allied parties at a star hotel in Chennai — the first formal step towards cementing a TVK-led political front. Leaders from Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Indian Union Muslim League and Marumalarchi DMK participated. CPI and CPI(M) leaders did not attend but met the Chief Minister separately at the Secretariat the same day, reiterating their continued outside support. Simultaneously, CM Vijay continued government review meetings with ministers and senior officials on development priorities and welfare scheme implementation.

CM Vijay concludes the 2-day Collectors Conference with a strong directive: officials must punish offenders regardless of power or influence. Orders coordinated crackdown on illegal sand mining in Cauvery and Vaigai river basins. Mandates migrant worker registration for protection. Presents awards to top-performing Collectors, police and Forest officials.

CM Vijay chairs Tamil Nadu's first Collectors Conference — all 38 District Collectors, senior IAS and IPS officers called to Chennai for a two-day governance review (June 29–30). Agenda covers 12 key areas: drug control, law and order, women's safety, SC/ST welfare, revenue, agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, social welfare and governance delivery — ahead of the Revised 2026–27 Budget.

CM Vijay personally inaugurated Tamil Nadu's annual Pulse Polio Immunisation Campaign at Adi Dravidar Welfare Higher Secondary School, Palavakkam, Chennai — personally administering oral polio drops to children under 5. Target: 52.91 lakh children across all 38 districts through 43,051 vaccination booths at hospitals, anganwadis, bus stands, railway stations and airports. Mobile teams deployed to reach remote villages.

Tamil cinema's "King of Screenplay" K. Bhagyaraj died of cardiac arrest at Apollo Hospital, Chennai. CM Vijay announced full State Honours and described his death as "an irreplaceable loss to Tamil cinema." Two Tamil cinema legends — Bharathiraja and Bhagyaraj — lost within 17 days.

CM Vijay participated in the Start Run Stop Drugs marathon from Anna Memorial — International Anti-Drug Day. 10,000+ participants ran across all 38 districts. 300 new buses flagged off (₹127.21 crore) — 164 diesel + 136 CNG/BS-VI green buses. Minister CTR Nirmalkumar praised CM for 30-minute power sector approval. Speaker JCD Prabhakar officially ruled CM Vijay’s Assembly gesture was not a protocol breach.

CM Vijay walked off stage to personally hand a pregnant beneficiary her appointment order — unscripted moment went viral. 401 appointment orders issued across departments. KfW electric bus tender cancelled. By-election EVM verification in 5 constituencies. Rajinikanth confirmed personal birthday call to CM Vijay. SC admitted TN medical seats plea. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu praised TVK governance.

CM Vijay issued the Government Order for Thaimaaman Thanga Mothira Thittam. Every child born in a Tamil Nadu government hospital will receive a 1 gram gold ring. ₹755.83 crore earmarked annually. Eligibility backdated to June 22, 2026 (CM’s birthday). Formal launch September 15 — Perarignar Anna’s birth anniversary.

CM Vijay delivered his first-ever speech in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly — a reply to the Motion of Thanks. The speech was widely praised for clarity, policy depth and emotional connect. First Regular Session concluded after 6 sittings (June 18, 19, 22, 23). NEET scrapping resolution passed unanimously.

On his 52nd birthday — his first as Chief Minister — CM Vijay attended the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, where members across party lines extended birthday greetings to him in the House. He also inaugurated his MLA constituency office in Perambur and held his monthly public grievance day, receiving ministers, MLAs, alliance leaders, party functionaries and supporters who called on him to convey their wishes. Free zoo entry for the public, 52,000 saplings planted across Tamil Nadu, and wishes poured in from political leaders, celebrities and the public at large. Rajinikanth called personally to wish CM Vijay.

CM Vijay responded to the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG retest, renewing Tamil Nadu's long-standing demand for exemption from the exam and admission to medical courses based on Class XII marks.

CM Vijay continued internal review meetings with senior officials at the Secretariat, with preparations underway for the MLA office inauguration and monthly grievance day scheduled for his birthday on June 22. No major public function was officially reported.

All 234 MLAs unanimously passed a resolution opposing Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery river. CM Vijay moved the resolution in the Assembly, marking a continuing sitting of the First Regular Session. Historic display of Tamil Nadu unity on water rights. The Assembly also continued its debate on the Governor's Address and government policies.

CM Vijay attended the opening day of the First Session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, where Governor Arlekar delivered the Governor's Address outlining the government's agenda. CM Vijay also extended support to the proposed Hyundai shipyard project, signalling intent to attract large-scale industrial investment to Tamil Nadu's coastal economy, and directed the Transport Department to procure only air-conditioned electric buses for future fleet expansion, along with plans for dedicated Bus Rapid Transit corridors.

CM Vijay attended the second day of the MLA Orientation Programme at Kalaivanar Arangam, where Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar and senior officials conducted sessions on legislative committees, debates and Assembly procedures. Separately, he reviewed Chennai's long-term urban development plan, directing officials to prepare a world-class city development roadmap covering transport, drainage, mobility and civic infrastructure.

TVK government released the White Paper on Tamil Nadu's state finances, exposing ₹13.18 lakh crore total debt inherited from the previous DMK government — revenue deficit of ₹78,324 crore and per capita debt burden of ₹1.3 lakh. Both Finance and Electricity White Papers were released. Separately, CM Vijay announced a Crop Loan Waiver of up to ₹75,000 for 14.43 lakh farmers, with a relief package of ₹5,932 crore, and expanded the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme to cover Classes 6–8 from September. He also inaugurated the two-day Orientation Programme for newly elected MLAs at Kalaivanar Arangam by lighting the traditional kuthuvilakku.

CM Vijay held preparatory meetings with senior officials for the upcoming MLA orientation programme and the first Assembly session, alongside continued administrative reviews on government priorities. The Assembly session was scheduled to begin on June 18.

No major public function or district visit by the Chief Minister was officially reported. Routine government work continued.

CM Vijay reviewed files and held meetings with senior officials at the Secretariat following the NITI Aayog Delhi visit. No major public programme was officially reported.

CM Vijay continued official meetings in Delhi with Union leaders and officials on Centre–State cooperation and development projects, pressing further on NEET exemption and the case for Thirukkural's recognition as national literature, before returning to Chennai.

First national policy address at the 11th NITI Aayog Governing Council in New Delhi, chaired by PM Modi. Raised 7 key demands: NEET exemption, second AIIMS at Coimbatore, ₹3,284 Cr education funds, Poverty-Free TN Mission, Youth Skill Mission, Thirukkural as national literature, and cooperative federalism dues — covering Tamil Nadu's financial requirements, state rights, infrastructure and welfare priorities.

CM Vijay left for New Delhi on his second official visit as Chief Minister. He met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and later met Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath, ahead of the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting. Separately, he paid a condolence visit following the passing of veteran Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja.

CM Vijay launched the Singappen Special Force (SSF) at Rajarathinam Stadium, Egmore. The government sanctioned ₹354.67 crore and created 2,545 posts, launching the first phase of the women-focused police force under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister — delivering on the Day 1 announcement.

CM Vijay continued administrative review meetings ahead of the launch of new government initiatives, including preparations for the Singappen Special Force. No major public event was reported.

No verified major public programme by the Chief Minister was reported.

Follow-up meetings with ministers and senior officials on Cabinet decisions and implementation of the Vetri Tamizhagam Vision Document. No major public function was reported.

CM Vijay chaired the first Cabinet meeting of the new government at the Secretariat. The Cabinet reviewed the Vetri Tamizhagam Vision Document and unveiled a comprehensive governance framework: 10 pillars, 54 sub-pillars, 436 projects and schemes covering every government department.

CM Vijay held preparatory meetings with ministers and senior officials ahead of the government's first Cabinet meeting.

Internal government meetings and file reviews continued. No major public event was officially reported.

CM Vijay returned to Chennai from Tiruchirappalli and continued official work at the Secretariat. No major public programme was widely reported.

CM Vijay's first official district visit after assuming office, to Tiruchirappalli. He arrived by chartered flight, held a roadshow from the airport, and addressed a Thanksgiving Meeting at St. Joseph's College Grounds — thanking the people of Tiruchirappalli East and Tamil Nadu, outlining governance priorities, and announcing that the Singappen Special Force would be launched the following week.

CM Vijay personally visited Ajith Kumar's residence in Chennai to offer condolences to the bereaved family after the passing of his mother, Mohini Mani, the previous day — the visit received wide public attention. Separately, the TVK government released the Magalir Urimai Thittam ₹1,000 monthly instalment for May 2026, with 10 lakh women beneficiaries receiving the amount directly in their bank accounts — the first disbursement under the TVK government since taking office.

CM Vijay expressed condolences following the demise of actor Ajith Kumar's mother, Mohini Mani. Political leaders across Tamil Nadu also paid tribute. CM Vijay shared a heartfelt condolence message on X, ahead of his personal visit to the family the following day.

CM Vijay returned to Chennai and reviewed files with senior officials. Follow-up meetings were held on issues discussed during the Delhi visit.

CM Vijay continued official meetings in New Delhi with Union leaders and officials regarding Centre–State cooperation and development projects, before returning to Chennai.

CM Vijay began his first official visit to New Delhi as Chief Minister. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submitted memoranda on key issues including the Mekedatu dam project, the Tamil Thai Vazhthu issue, central assistance, and other state development matters.

CM Vijay continued departmental review meetings and preparation for his first official visit to New Delhi. No major public function was officially reported.

CM Vijay reviewed the reopening of schools in view of the prevailing heatwave. The School Education Department sought the Chief Minister's approval after obtaining weather inputs from the IMD before deciding on reopening dates.

No verified major public meeting, district visit, or government function by the Chief Minister could be confirmed from publicly available records. Routine Secretariat work continued.

CM Vijay continued discussions on fiscal reforms, revenue position and budget planning with senior officials, building on the previous day's White Paper directive.

CM Vijay chaired a high-level review of the state's financial position with the Finance Department, directing officials to prepare a White Paper on Tamil Nadu's finances — the review that would culminate in the June 16 release exposing ₹13.18 lakh crore in inherited debt.

Phase 2 cabinet expansion at Raj Bhavan — 23 new ministers sworn in. IUML and VCK joined the cabinet for the first time in Tamil Nadu history. Total cabinet: 35 ministers including CM. The newly expanded Council of Ministers also met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan for an official group interaction and photo session following the formation of the new ministry.

Administrative meetings on governance priorities and implementation of election commitments continued. No major public programme could be independently verified.

CM Vijay continued departmental review meetings with ministers and senior officials following the formation of the government. No major public event was officially reported.

Preparatory meetings for upcoming administrative and financial reviews continued. No verified public event or district visit could be confirmed from public sources.

Routine government work, file reviews, and departmental consultations continued. No verified public meeting, district visit, or function was reported.

CM Vijay held a meeting with representatives of the Tamil film industry. Discussions covered easing regulations for theatres, subsidies for low-budget films, entertainment tax issues, and operational reforms. Following the meeting, the government approved five shows per day for new film releases and removed the requirement for special permission for first-week extra shows.

CM Vijay continued review meetings with senior officials and ministers regarding implementation of the government's first 100-day agenda, alongside ongoing transition meetings with senior IAS officers. No major public function or district visit was officially reported.

Cabinet departments began functioning under the newly allotted portfolios. Ministers formally assumed charge of their departments, and coordination meetings commenced.

TVK government confirmed with 144 votes in favour, 22 against, 5 abstentions — a 28-seat majority over the 116-seat threshold, cementing CM Vijay's position with a strong legislative majority. The same day, official portfolio allocation for the Council of Ministers was notified: CM Vijay retained key portfolios including Public, General Administration, Home, Police, Municipal Administration, Urban Development, Women Welfare, Youth Welfare and Water Supply. He also continued outreach by meeting alliance leaders — including Congress, IUML, VCK and former AIADMK leader C. Ve. Shanmugam — emphasising cooperation and political civility, and reiterated Tamil Nadu's demand for abolition of NEET, advocating admission to medical courses based on Class XII marks.

CM Vijay attended the first sitting of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. J.C.D. Prabhakar (Villivakkam MLA, TVK) was elected as the 15th Speaker and M. Ravisankar as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly; CM Vijay congratulated both after they assumed office. The same day, a Government Order was issued to close 717 TASMAC outlets within 500m of religious sites, schools and bus stands.

CM Vijay began regular functioning at the Secretariat with departmental briefings, review of urgent files, and meetings with senior officials. He also held coordination discussions with Cabinet colleagues on immediate implementation of election promises and departmental responsibilities. No major public function was officially announced.

C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at JN Indoor Stadium, Chennai, at 10:10 AM IST. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath to CM Vijay and the nine-member Council of Ministers. He resigned from the Tiruchirappalli East Assembly constituency after winning from two constituencies, retaining Perambur as his Assembly seat. He took charge at the Secretariat and signed his first official files in the presence of senior IAS officers, and held his first review meeting with the Chief Secretary and senior officials on immediate governance priorities. Within hours: 200 units free electricity, Singapenn Athiradi Padai women’s safety force, and TASMAC closures near religious sites were all ordered.