Home News The Many U-Turns Of The Joseph Vijay TVK Government

The Many U-Turns Of The Joseph Vijay TVK Government

By
The Commune
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joseph vijay tvk

Since taking office in May 2026, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s TVK government has reversed or modified several decisions following pushback from opposition parties, alliance partners and the public.

From withdrawing an order restricting student participation in protests to cancelling an astrologer’s appointment as Officer on Special Duty and to the most recent rollback of the GO on exempting Law and Order department from RTI purview, the administration has faced repeated questions over its decision-making.

At least five episodes stand out. However, not all were policy reversals: some involved appointments, while others were adjustments to administrative or commercial decisions. The distinction matters when assessing the government’s record.

#1 Law and Order Department’s RTI Exemption Revoked Within Days

On 21 September 2026, the TVK government issued a Gazette notification classifying the Public (Law and Order) Department as an intelligence and security organisation under Section 24(4) of the Right to Information Act.

The move effectively sought to exempt the department from the RTI framework, raising concerns over public access to records relating to police action, communal clashes and protests.

The decision triggered criticism from opposition leaders and even the government’s alliance partners. CPI(M) and other members of the public who questioned the move, with concerns that it could undermine transparency.

Later Law minister CTR Nirmal Kumar said that the govt has removed only few of the 20 clauses in the public law and order department such as information sharing on community clashes in district. He stated that such information further created tensions and promised that the government would hear from public and take necessary measures.

However, on 27 September 2026, the government revoked the order, just hours after the controversy intensified. The reversal followed mounting political and public pressure.

#2 Aavin Milk Procurement Hike Followed by Supply Problems

The TVK government announced a series of increases in Aavin’s milk procurement price in August 2026.

On 19 August 2026, the government raised the procurement price from ₹38 to ₹41 per litre. On 31 August 2026, Vijay announced a further increase to ₹44 per litre, fulfilling the party’s election promise. The retail price of Aavin milk was to remain unchanged.

However, the procurement price hike came amid continuing supply problems. Milk agents reported shortages of popular Aavin variants, particularly green packets, in Chennai and other districts.

By September 2026, reports indicated that consumers were struggling to obtain their regular supply, with agents claiming that sales had fallen by 10–15 per cent. The government subsequently directed officials to address the shortages and ensure uninterrupted availability.

While this episode is not a confirmed rollback of the procurement hike, it rather highlights the gap between the government’s price announcement and the continuing difficulties in maintaining retail supply.

#3 Student Protest Directive Withdrawn Within 48 Hours

On 17 August 2026, the Directorate of Collegiate Education directed principals of government arts and science colleges to coordinate with the School Education Department, Higher Education Department, police and district administration to prevent students and youth from participating in protests organised by Left parties and the Tamil Nadu Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

The communication called for “inter-departmental and coordinated joint action” and asked colleges to submit details of the action taken.

The directive drew criticism from the CJP and student organisations, who questioned the government’s attempt to restrict participation in political protests.

On 19 August 2026, the Directorate withdrew the order in its entirety, less than 48 hours after it was issued.

#4 DVAC Director A. Arun Transferred Amid Controversy

The TVK government also faced questions over its handling of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).

A. Arun was transferred from the post of DVAC Director in July 2026, weeks after his appointment. The move reportedly came amid legal challenges over the appointment criteria and questions over the pace of corruption investigations involving former DMK ministers.

ADGP C. Mageshwari was subsequently assigned full additional charge.

After moving him from DVAC, he was once again put on compulsory wait after allegations of inaction emerged in the Gem Veeramani POCSO case.

#5 Astrologer Appointed as CM’s OSD, Then Removed

Days after taking oath as Chief Minister, on 12 May 2026, the TVK government appointed astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The appointment triggered criticism from opposition parties and alliance partners, including the Congress, CPI(M) and VCK. Critics questioned the appointment of an astrologer to an official government position, particularly in a state where rationalism and scientific temper have long been part of political discourse.

CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam argued that the appointment contradicted the government’s constitutional responsibility to promote scientific thinking. VCK general secretary D. Ravikumar also objected, calling the appointment unacceptable in a secular government.

The government revoked the appointment on 13 May barely a day after it was announced.

A Pattern of U-Turns

In its first few months, the TVK government has already had to withdraw or rethink several controversial decisions. Taken together, these episodes point to a government announcing contentious decisions first and dealing with the backlash later—with some reversals coming within hours or days. Does this mean the TVK government is succumbing to pressure every time controversy erupts?

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