Chennai, May 10 -- In a move that signals a swift departure from previous fiscal policies while doubling down on populist welfare, the newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay, signed his first major government order (GO) on Sunday, granting 200 units of free electricity bimonthly to eligible domestic consumers.

The announcement came just hours after the actor-turned-politician took the oath of office as the state's 13th Chief Minister at Fort St. George, marking the official commencement of what he calls the era of "real, secular, and social justice."

According to the state government, eligible domestic consumers with a bimonthly consumption of up to 500 units will receive a total of 200 units of free electricity bimonthly, u...