Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay launches 200‑unit free electricity scheme

C. Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Vijay Thalapathy, was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 10 May 2026 at Chennai's Nehru Stadium. Immediately after taking the oath, he announced his first policy measure.

The scheme provides 200 kilowatt‑hours of electricity free of charge every two months to domestic consumers whose bi‑monthly consumption does not exceed 500 units. This doubles the previous subsidy of 100 units and targets low‑consumption households in rural areas and smaller towns.

Vijay also signed orders to create a special women‑safety force and emphasized a focus on affordable, continuous power supply. State officials warned that the new subsidy could increase the burden on the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, which is already operating at a deficit; the government said it will offset costs through better management, solar expansion and central assistance.

The announcement was welcomed by supporters, including Karnataka’s chief minister, and by Vijay’s father, film director S. A. Chandrasekhar. Critics noted the financial strain but acknowledged the political signal of rapid action by the new administration.