In his maiden Independence Day speech as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Saturday (August 15, 2026), C. Joseph Vijay once again drove home the message that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) mission is to provide a “corruption-free government” and appealed to officials and the people to make the State corruption-free.
Delivering the speech after hoisting the national flag at the ramparts of Fort St. George, Mr. Vijay thanked the people for breaking away from “caste and religious considerations” and rejecting “money and muscle power.” “We are working in mission mode to achieve a corruption-free government. We want our people to develop zero tolerance for corruption. We appeal to the officials and the people of Tamil Nadu to make our State corruption-free,” he said.
‘Keep standing with govt.’
Mr. Vijay also appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu who supported him in the elections not to think that they had done their duty by voting for him and making him the Chief Minister. “Don’t think that your duty is done after making your elder brother, younger brother, your son the Chief Minister. You have to stand with us, with the government, so that we can implement all the welfare measures. People are the rulers; we are all servants. Let’s do our duty together and fight against forces and conspirators who are working against our government. I have no fear because you are all with me,” he said.
CM Vijay hoists the national flag at the Independence Day celebrations in Chennai
| Photo Credit:
M. Srinath
The Chief Minister also said that instructions had been given to ensure that members of the public seeking services and help from government officers were treated with respect and dignity. “At the conference of IAS and IPS officers on June 29-30, strict orders were given to maintain law and order and ensure that police stations operate like service centres for people. Not just that, people who come to government offices with queries and issues, and those seeking government welfare schemes, should be treated with dignity and respect. People should not be made to run around in circles,” he said.
‘Administrative cooperation with Centre’
Mr. Vijay said that people’s welfare was the most important, and that there should be no compromises. “On that basis, we are cooperating with the Central government administratively. At the same time, the TVK government will oppose policies that go against the State’s rights and policies,” he said.
“We are continuing the policies [brought in by previous governments] that are useful for the people. For example, Amma Unavagam, brought in by Jayalalithaa madam, we are continuing it by further making it more efficient. Similarly, the morning breakfast scheme is also continuing, and we are expanding it. The scheme will be extended from Classes 6 to 8 and will be implemented on Periyar’s birth anniversary on September 17,” he said.
CM thanks youth for support
He also thanked his Gen Z supporters for their backing. “Saving Tamil Nadu from corruption and bribery is also comparable to the freedom movement. Our government is working towards it. You all have ensured that I can speak at the 80th Independence Day at this 386-year-old Fort St. George and hoist the flag. I thank Tamil people across the world, the people of Tamil Nadu and Gen Z youth,” he said.
CM Vijay takes part in the Independence Day celebrations in Chennai
| Photo Credit:
M. Srinath
Mr. Vijay added, “Once we realise that we are being kept as slaves, a unity would emerge among us. We would think alike and come together. When people come together, differences in caste, religion, and language break down. That’s when we get real freedom. We got freedom on August 15, led by Mahatma Gandhi ji. We are holding on tight to that freedom and developing step by step. We have to take it to the next level. It is our duty.”
Hike in assistance
He also made several announcements. In recognition of the contributions of former servicemen who made selfless sacrifices for the motherland and worked tirelessly for the defence of the country, the marriage assistance provided for each of their two daughters will be increased from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000, he said.
The monthly assistance for disabled ex-servicemen and their families will be increased from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000. The pension for freedom fighters has been increased to ₹23,000, and family pension has been increased to ₹12,500/month. Monthly assistance to descendents of Veerapandia Kattabomman, Mutharamalinga Vijayaraghunatha Sethupathy, Marudhu Brothers, and V.O. Chidambaranar has been increased to ₹11,500/month. G.Os regarding these have been published, he announced.
The Chief Minister presented the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award, the Kalpana Chawla Award for Courage and Daring Enterprise, and the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award, to former TNCC president M. Krishnasswamy, athlete Nausheen Banu Chand, and renowned diabetologist Dr. V. Mohan, respectively.
The celebrations were attended by senior Ministers, MLAs, families, Mr. Vijay’s parents, and actor Trisha Krishnan.
Published – August 15, 2026 04:12 pm IST
