CM Joseph Vijay Warns Ministers Against Corruption and Social Media Reels

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay warned cabinet ministers of summary expulsion if corruption charges are proven and directed them to focus on governance over social media reels during a review meeting at the Secretariat in Chennai on Thursday. The meeting was held to review department preparations ahead of the state's upcoming annual budget presentation.

During the session, Chief Minister Vijay urged his ministerial colleagues to refrain from uploading reels on social media to communicate with the public. Instead, he instructed them to focus on real issues and prepare thoroughly to answer any questions regarding the State Budget following its presentation in the Assembly, which is scheduled for the first week of August.

In a private meeting with the ministers after the general review, Vijay issued a stern warning against graft. He stated that any minister facing proven charges of bribery, corruption, or graft would face immediate and summary expulsion from the cabinet. He emphasized that the public expects absolute transparency in the functioning of all government departments.

The meeting, which included the entire Cabinet and senior government officials, also saw the sanctioning of funds for select departmental projects. Among the approved allocations was funding for the purchase of new buses.

This upcoming budget will be the first annual budget presented by the TVK government. While media access to the meeting was restricted, expectations are high regarding potential policy announcements in the budget. Observers anticipate details on key election promises, such as raising the monthly women's assistance to Rs 2,500.

Other pending issues expected to be addressed in the first week of August include the state's official stance on proposed federal changes to the MGNREGA scheme and potential economic relief schemes to counter the impact of the recent scorching heat wave on state productivity.