Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, in his first Independence Day address as Chief Minister, reached out to Gen Z while warning political forces working against his government that their efforts would be defeated. Speaking from the Fort St George premises in Chennai on Saturday, Vijay began his address with “Vanakkam Gen Z” and extended greetings to Tamil people across the world. His parents, SA Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar, and actor Trisha were among those seated in the front row during the flag-hoisting ceremony.
Vijay said his government would cooperate with the Union government on administrative matters but would oppose policies that he believes undermine Tamil Nadu’s rights. He also described the fight against corruption as an important part of achieving freedom and said his administration was working towards transparent and people-centric governance. Without naming any individuals or organisations, the Chief Minister said forces working against his government would be defeated and alleged conspiracies against his administration would be thwarted.
The Chief Minister also said his government would continue welfare schemes introduced by previous administrations when they benefited the people. He cited the Amma Unavagam canteens introduced under the AIADMK government and the breakfast scheme for schoolchildren associated with the DMK. Vijay said the government’s approach was to retain initiatives that had proved useful rather than discontinue them because they were introduced by political opponents.
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Vijay announced several welfare measures during his Independence Day address. He said a gold ring scheme for newborn children in state-run hospitals, known as the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, would be launched on September 15, the birth anniversary of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister CN Annadurai, at a cost of Rs 755.83 crore. He also said financial assistance for the marriage of daughters of ex-servicemen would be increased to Rs 50,000 from Rs 25,000, with up to two daughters eligible for the assistance.
The Chief Minister further announced an increase in monthly assistance for differently-abled ex-servicemen and their families from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000. Pension for freedom fighters will be increased to Rs 23,000, while the family pension for their dependants will rise to Rs 12,500. Vijay said his government was committed to achieving a corruption-free administration and urged people to develop “zero tolerance” towards corruption.
Vijay also praised Tamil Nadu voters for rejecting caste and religious considerations, as well as money and muscle power, while supporting what he described as a people-centric and social justice government. His address combined outreach to younger voters with emphasis on state rights, welfare and anti-corruption measures. The warning to unnamed political opponents, alongside the Gen Z appeal and welfare announcements, marked the key themes of Vijay’s maiden Independence Day speech as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
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