Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Wednesday used his first major Assembly address after surviving a trust vote to position the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government as a people-centric administration rooted in social justice, secularism and equal opportunity.
The actor-turned-politician, whose party disrupted Tamil Nadu’s decades-old DMK-AIADMK political axis in the recent Assembly elections, also directly addressed criticism over heading a minority government, saying he was “happy” with the label if it meant ensuring safety and representation for minority communities.
TVK comfortably won the floor test in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly with 144 votes in favour. The numbers swelled beyond the alliance’s official strength after a section of AIADMK rebels reportedly voted against the party whip. While 22 MLAs opposed the motion, five abstained. The DMK staged a walkout during the voting process.
In an emotional and politically loaded speech, Vijay described TVK’s rise as a “whistle revolution”, pointing to the party’s rapid emergence within just three years of its formation.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of our government to all the honourable members who supported and won this government for the people,” Vijay said in the Assembly.
Vijay says TVK government will stand for social justice
Recalling the election campaign, Vijay said TVK fought independently without entering into alliances and managed to emerge as the single largest party with a 34.92 per cent vote share.
“The whistle wave turned into a victory wave. A single-finger revolution became a whistle revolution,” he said, adding that over 1.72 crore people had voted for the party.
The chief minister said his administration would function on the ideological foundations laid by leaders such as K Kamaraj, Periyar EV Ramasamy, BR Ambedkar, Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal.
“With social justice, equal justice, and equal opportunity, with true and firm democracy and secular social justice policies, this government will function,” he said.
Vijay also sought to reassure political opponents and voters who did not support TVK, saying the government would not discriminate on political, caste or religious lines.
“There will be no discrimination between those who voted and those who didn’t. This is a government for everyone. This is a government for the common people,” he said.
DMK walks out as AIADMK rebels back TVK in trust vote
The trust vote exposed fresh cracks within the opposition ranks. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam walked out before voting, with Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin taking a swipe at the ruling party.
“Once we walk out, you will get the majority. Govern well with it. I request you not to politicise the welfare schemes introduced by our government,” Udhayanidhi said.
The Assembly also witnessed tensions within the AIADMK camp. While party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami had announced that all 47 MLAs would oppose the trust motion, the final numbers suggested a section of legislators cross-voted in favour of the government.
Former minister and AIADMK MLA SP Velumani also spoke during the proceedings, triggering objections from supporters of Palaniswami.
TVK received support from Congress, VCK, CPI(M), CPI, IUML and expelled AMMK MLA Kamaraj, helping Vijay comfortably sail through his first major legislative test.
Closing his speech, Vijay said the government was not formed for “position or power” but to repay the trust shown by people.
“It’s not a government that threatens by showing power; it’s a government that embraces everyone,” he said.