Addressing the people of Tamil Nadu for the first time since taking the oath of office, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay thanked the voters for giving him the opportunity to serve them. The actor-politician thanked all political allies who decided to back the TVK, before vowing to ensure religious harmony and women's safety in the state and taking a strict stance against alcoholism and drug abuse.
In his address at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, the TVK chief also thanked his "little friends" who asked their parents to vote for him and added that "Vijay uncle" will do all the good things for them.
Here are five statements that Vijay made during his inaugural speech as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister:
1. “You welcomed me, who came to pay my debt of gratitude, with love and affection, saying, 'We are here... we will take care of you.' You, who stood by me, did not take the hardships and humiliations lightly, and today you have made the fact that 'I am C. Joseph Vijay' a reality. I am confident that with so many crores of people with me, I can handle whatever comes my way.”
2. “I will not deceive people with false promises. I will only do what is possible. People may wonder whether things that seem impossible can ever be achieved. But when crores of people stand with me, I believe anything can be accomplished. I have that confidence.”
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3. "The government treasury has been completely emptied, and a burden too heavy to bear has been left behind... It is in such a situation that we have taken up this responsibility. Only after taking the responsibility will we know the true extent of the situation. After assessing it, we will release a White Paper. I want to run a transparent government, tell the people the actual situation, and take things forward from there. That will be my first duty.”
4. "I am no angel. I am also a normal human being living a normal life. As I said before, I will not deceive you by making false promises. I will only do what is possible. If so, you will also wonder if we will not do the impossible. I have the confidence that I can handle whatever comes, when so many crores of people are with me."
5. "You have given me such a big responsibility. Similarly, give me some time. I will give importance to women's safety... Women, youth, farmers, government employees, teachers, fishermen—everyone will be happy in our government. Our government will be there for our small brothers. Thank you to all the people of Tamil Nadu."
(Data via Daily Thanthi, The Hindu)