Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) C Joseph Vijay on Saturday delivered his maiden Independence Day address from Fort St George in state capital Chennai, greeting Gen-Zs and propagating a  strong message among political opponents as he outlined his government’s priorities. 

Addressing the flag-hoisting ceremony, CM Vijay began by acknowledging Tamil people across the globe and GenZ in particular, saying, “To all my Tamil relatives across the world, Gen Z friends, my Vanakkam to all.”

Actor Trisha Krishnan and Vijay’s parents, SA Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar also attended the event. 

‘Plots against govt will be thwarted’: CM Vijay

Further in his speech, CM Vijay warned forces he said were plotting against his TVK government, without specifically naming any people or groups. He asserted that attempts to undermine his administration would be defeated and reiterated his government’s commitment to eliminating corruption from Tamil Nadu.

He added that his administration would continue taking strict action against graft and promised people a transparent and good governance. 

Vijay says eliminating corruption is like freedom

Drawing a parallel between freedom and the fight against corruption, CM Vijay said his government was persevering in efforts to prevent public revenue from reaching private people through corrupt practices. He remarked, “Government's revenue going to private individuals has been prevented and continuous action is being taken to eliminate graft in all departments.” 

He maintained that his administration was committed towards ensuring clean governance and taking sustained action against corruption across government departments. 

Women’s safety and social justice top priorities of TVK Govt

Vijay said his government was founded on the principle that ‘all lives are born equal,’ while underlining its commitment to transparency, social justice and honesty. He said there would be no place for bribery, corruption or drug culture under the administration led by him. Furthermore, he underscored that his government’s top priorities are women’s safety and social justice. 

He asserted, “There must never be any compromise in public life. The welfare of the people is the most important thing. It is on that basis that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government has been functioning.” 

“No compromise on state rights”: CM Vijay

The Tamil Nadu CM went on to say that his government would continue to cooperate with the Union Government on administrative matters and people-centric welfare schemes. However, he clarified that such cooperation would not extend to policies that, according to his government, underline Tamil Nadu’s interests or state rights. 

He said, “On that same basis, we also maintain administrative cooperation with the Central government regarding people-welfare schemes. But at the same time, when it comes to Tamil Nadu's principles, the TVK government will always oppose decisions that go against state rights as well as policy decisions that go against Tamil Nadu. There is no second thought about that.”