Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay Takes Oath, Vows Zero Tolerance for Corruption

On July 16, 2026, C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. After taking the oath he chaired a cabinet meeting, launched a new ration scheme and warned that any minister found corrupt would be removed, pledging a transparent, accountable administration and insisting officials provide services without bribes. He also ordered that no one be shielded in custodial‑death cases.

The same day Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects in the state valued at over ₹5,650 crore and laid the foundation stone for the Chennai Park Amrit Railway Station. Chennai authorities imposed a temporary drone ban for the President of Zanzibar’s visit and issued a heat‑wave alert. The Greater Chennai Corporation identified 115 missing storm‑water links, suspended six officials over corruption allegations, extended the property‑tax deadline, began the first phase of a digital census and set up a panel to probe land‑registration irregularities in Palani Mutt.