CM Vijay Calls for Corruption-Free Tamil Nadu in Independence Day Speech at Fort St George

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay made a call to eliminate corruption and bribery across the state during his first Independence Day address delivered at the 386-year-old Fort St George in Chennai on Saturday.

Speaking at the historic venue, Vijay stated that saving Tamil Nadu from corruption and bribery was akin to achieving freedom. He announced that his administration is operating on a mission mode to eradicate corrupt practices and urged both the public and state machinery to participate actively in this effort.

Vijay appealed directly to officials and residents across the state to foster zero tolerance towards corruption in everyday governance. He highlighted the need to transform how government offices interact with citizens, noting that members of the public approaching administrative departments must always be treated with dignity.

Officials have been instructed to handle public grievances and requests with kindness rather than making citizens run from pillar to post, the Chief Minister said during his address.

Emphasising his administration's governance philosophy, Vijay stated that freedom, self-respect, equal rights, equal opportunities, and a dignified life must be ensured for all people. He thanked the people of Tamil Nadu, making special mention of the Gen Z young lion force for their support and the opportunity to serve the state.

Vijay also saluted the electorate for rejecting caste and religious considerations, as well as money and muscle power, to deliver an overwhelming mandate aimed at establishing a people-centric government anchored in social justice.

Addressing the public's ongoing role in governance, Vijay noted that while the people had voted for their brother and son Vijay to make him Chief Minister, their democratic responsibility did not end with casting their ballots, urging continued vigilance and cooperation from citizens.