CM Vijay Delivers Independence Day Address at Fort St George

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay delivered his maiden Independence Day address from the ramparts of Fort St George in Chennai on Saturday, projecting his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government as an alternative to the established order. Delivering his bilingual speech in Tamil and English after unfurling the national tricolour, he vowed to protect the interests of Tamils and eliminate corruption and drug culture from the State.

Vijay stated that his administration was built on the principle that all lives are born equal. Addressing conspiracies he said were being hatched against his government, the Chief Minister assured the public that all such efforts would be thwarted. Rescuing Tamil Nadu from corruption was framed as a form of freedom, alongside creating a transparent regime that stops the diversion of government revenue and ensures women's safety and social justice.

Regarding Centre-State relations, Vijay noted that the TVK government would work in tandem with the Union Government on administrative matters but would draw the line when State interests were at stake. He paid tribute to freedom fighters, announcing new welfare measures for them and their families, and thanked the people of Tamil Nadu for supporting his government across barriers of caste, religion, and money power.

Signalling policy continuity, the Chief Minister confirmed that his government would retain beneficial schemes initiated by previous administrations. He specifically cited the continuation of the Amma canteens started under the AIADMK and the breakfast scheme for school children introduced by the DMK government. He urged citizens to maintain ongoing engagement with the administration to help Tamil Nadu achieve a US $1.5 trillion economy by 2036.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister presented state honours to distinguished individuals and officials. The Thagaisal Tamilar award was conferred on former TNCC president and Congress MP M Krishnaswamy, while mountaineer Nausheen Banu Chand received the Kalpana Chawla Award for conquering the Mount Everest marathon twice. Noted diabetologist V Mohan was presented with the A P J Abdul Kalam Award.

Earlier, Vijay arrived at the venue escorted by army riders and inspected the march past, taking the salute from the State police. Following the conclusion of the event, he greeted the public gathered at the venue.