Formation of this govt reaffirms strength of self-respect, social justice: Kharge after Vijay's swearing-in as TN CM

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated C Joseph Vijay on being sworn-in as the Tamil Nadu chief minister on Sunday and said he is confident that under the TVK chief's leadership, the ideals that have long defined the state's political and social consciousness will continue to guide governance. Vijay was sworn-in as the Tamil Nadu chief minister on Sunday in a colourful ceremony attended by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, ushering in the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in the southern state in 60 years. ''On the swearing-in of Thiru TVK Vijay as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to him, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party and the entire progressive alliance,'' Kharge said on X. The formation of this government reaffirms the enduring strength of self-respect, social justice, empowerment and rational thought, are values that have long defined Tamil Nadu's political and social consciousness, he said, adding this is the legacy shaped by Periyar and Kamrajar. ''Millions of people across Tamil Nadu, especially the aspirational youth, have placed their trust in the TVK. I am confident that under his leadership, these ideals will continue to guide governance and inspire the nation,'' Kharge said. ''Wishing the new government great success in serving the people with compassion, inclusivity, and commitment,'' the Congress chief said. Vijay's cabinet was a mix of young and experienced, with the TVK chief's core team finding place in the maiden ministry of the 51 year-old actor-turned-politician. In his first address, Vijay said he was not from any royal lineage and that people welcomed and accepted him. He also said that he will not deceive people with false promises. Vijay's parents S A Chandrasekhar and Shobha, top actor Trisha and a whole lot of dignitaries attended the ceremony at the sprawling Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. The TVK founder-chief was appointed as chief minister on Saturday by the governor after his party clinched key support to cross the magic 118 majority mark in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, ending days of uncertainty over government formation in the southern state. Capping days of hectic parleying to shore up numbers to usher in the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in nearly 70 years, Vijay finally managed to secure the support of four MLAs of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Saturday. The Congress had pledged support of its five MLAs to TVK soon after the polls.

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