Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Works Grueling 18-20 Hour Days

The Cliff News | 19 August 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is reportedly dedicating an extraordinary 18 to 20 hours a day to governance, a demanding schedule that includes early morning calls to ministers for departmental updates, according to his close associate and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) minister Aadhav Arjuna.

Arjuna described the actor-turned-politician as a "political monk", highlighting his unwavering focus on steering the state administration. The minister shared these insights at the India Today Tamil Nadu Conclave, shedding light on the intensive work ethic of the Chief Minister.

Intensive Governance Schedule Revealed

Minister Aadhav Arjuna stated that Chief Minister Vijay remains deeply engaged with government work throughout the day. His routine begins exceptionally early, with him personally seeking updates from various departments, sometimes initiating these calls as early as 4 in the morning.

"Our leader is working for more than 18 to 20 hours a day. He calls at 4 in the morning and asks what has happened in every department. That is the kind of CM we have," Arjuna remarked. He further elaborated that Vijay consistently reviews upcoming challenges and actively seeks resolutions to issues across different ministries.

A 'Political Monk' Focused on Administration

The TVK minister likened Chief Minister Vijay to a "political monk", observing his daily presence at the Secretariat and his steadfast dedication to governmental duties. Arjuna noted that since assuming office, Vijay has appeared to be singularly focused on the tasks at hand.

"From the day he came, he looked like a political monk. What should be done? What should be done next? What should be done after that? There are so many problems. What are the problems in every department? Particularly corruption," Arjuna explained at the conclave. He emphasized that the Chief Minister's approach involves a constant assessment of ongoing issues and future priorities.

Government's First 100 Days Focus on Transparency

Arjuna elaborated on the government's initial 100 days, stating that the primary focus was on preventing financial losses through leakages and enhancing administrative transparency. He acknowledged that while significant strides have been made, corruption might still persist at lower levels of officialdom, a problem he described as long-standing within the government machinery.

The government is reportedly implementing changes from the top, with Chief Minister Vijay continuously instructing officials to curb financial leakages and ensure accountability. This proactive stance aims to create a more efficient and trustworthy administration.

Chief Minister Completes 100 Days in Office

The revelation comes shortly after Chief Minister Vijay completed 100 days in office on Monday. This milestone was marked by the release of a report titled "100 Days of Governance – A Government for Generations", detailing the administration's achievements during his initial term.

The TVK government's first 100 days have seen the introduction of various welfare initiatives, increased support for students and women, measures benefiting farmers, efforts to attract investment, and strengthened campaigns against drugs and liquor. However, this period has also been accompanied by scrutiny regarding the progress of election promises, the Cauvery water dispute, law and order, the state's financial health, and allegations of corruption.