Four weeks after taking oath as Tamil Nadu's 13th Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay's TVK government has a record that is being widely analysed — and largely praised for its speed of delivery in the early days. Here is a comprehensive summary of what happened in the first 28 days.
Delivered — Day 1 Actions (May 10)
- 200 units free electricity for all domestic consumers — signed as first GO
- Singappen Athiradi Padai (women's safety force) — launched across all districts
- 65 anti-drug task force squads — operational in all districts
- Free bus travel for women — continued and extended to SETC (interstate)
- Phase 1 Cabinet of 10 ministers sworn in
Week 1 Highlights (May 10–16)
The first week saw remarkable institutional pace. The Assembly met, elected Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar unopposed, confirmed K.A. Sengottaiyan as Leader of the House, and then conducted the floor test that confirmed the government 144–22. The DA hike for 16 lakh government workers was announced by Day 5, and the Kalaignar Magalir ₹1,000 instalment was released. Three AIADMK MLAs resigned and aligned with TVK by Days 6–7.
Week 2–3 (May 17–30)
The 35-member full cabinet was completed on May 21–22, including Congress's historic return to the TN cabinet after 59 years. CM Vijay toured Fort St. George, ordered Amma Canteen upgrades, directed legal action against Karnataka's Mekedatu dam, paid tribute to film producer K Rajan, and made his first Delhi visit on May 27 — meeting PM Modi and FM Nirmala Sitharaman to raise 7 Tamil Nadu demands including the Mekedatu dispute, fishermen in Sri Lanka, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, NEET, and infrastructure funding.
Week 4 (May 31 – June 7)
The first public rally as CM was held in Trichy on June 1 — drawing 1–2 lakh supporters and generating national headlines for its political forcefulness. The NEET scrapping demand was formally renewed. Student stipends were expanded to 8 lakh government school students. The child safety case in Tamil Nadu prompted the CM to order strict action.
- GOs Signed: 25+
- Floor Test: Won 144 in favour, 22 against
- Cabinet: 35 ministers, full coalition assembled
- Delhi visits: 1 (May 27)
- DA Hike: ₹1,230 crore additional annual spend for govt staff
- TASMAC closures: 717 outlets near sensitive sites ordered shut
- By-elections pending: 5 seats (Trichy East + 4 AIADMK resignees)
- Promises delivered: 8 of 22 manifesto promises
- In progress: 8 of 22 (NEET, Mekedatu, white paper, infrastructure)
- Pending: 6 (₹4,000 grad stipend, free LPG, Cauvery, Budget)
What June Holds
The second month of the Vijay administration is expected to bring the announcement of Budget session dates (likely July), the White Paper on Tamil Nadu's finances, by-election notifications for all 5 vacant seats, and continued expansion of student welfare programs. The 100-day governance roadmap deadline falls in mid-August.