Political volatility
Mumbai
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Tuesday said Tamil Nadu has entered a new political era following the victory of actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in the recent Assembly elections.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray faction described the result as a historic shift that ended the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics.
The editorial noted that while Vijay’s electoral victory has generated excitement and optimism among supporters, his government now faces significant political and administrative challenges. According to the article, the new administration holds only a narrow majority in the Assembly, which could make governance and political stability difficult in the coming years.
The editorial also pointed to the influence of the central leadership in New Delhi, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting that the political environment could become more complex for the newly formed state government.
The Shiv Sena UBT editorial highlighted Vijay’s remarks after assuming office, where he pledged to govern for people of all religions and communities. Referring to the fact that the new chief minister is Christian, the article said Vijay had emphasized that protecting every citizen and ensuring equal treatment would remain his primary responsibility.
The swearing-in ceremony itself attracted attention for its emphasis on national symbolism. According to the editorial, the event began with the patriotic song Vande Mataram, followed by the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, and concluded with the Tamil state song. The publication described this sequence as a deliberate effort to balance Tamil regional identity with national sentiment.
In his first public address as chief minister, Vijay reportedly adopted the emotional and dramatic style associated with his film career, declaring that the eight crore people of Tamil Nadu were his family. He also sought to present himself as an ordinary citizen rather than a privileged political figure, stating that he was neither a prince nor an angel but a common man.
The new chief minister moved quickly after taking office by signing his first official file granting 200 units of free electricity to domestic consumers, a measure expected to benefit middle-class families across the state.
The editorial further stated that Vijay has outlined several immediate priorities for his administration. He reportedly warned cabinet ministers and legislators that corruption and misuse of public funds would not be tolerated under his government.
To address concerns over rising drug abuse among young people, the state government has ordered the creation of a Special Task Force to crack down on narcotics networks. Vijay has also approved the establishment of a dedicated Women’s Security Wing within the police department to strengthen safety measures for women.
