In First Independence Day Speech as CM, Vijay Pledges Corruption-Free Tamil Nadu, Announces Gold Ring Scheme for Newborns

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay hoisted the national Tricolour at the ramparts of Fort St George in Chennai on August 15, marking his first Independence Day as Chief Minister since the TVK came to power in May. Vijay arrived from his Neelankarai residence around 8 a.m., received a ceremonial guard of honour, inspected the police parade from an open jeep, and hoisted the flag at around 8:45 a.m.

Beginning his address with "Vanakkam Gen Z," Vijay said his government was committed to building a corruption-free, transparent administration, adding that continuous action was being taken to eliminate graft across departments and that leakage of government revenue to private individuals had been checked.

He announced that the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, a scheme to gift a gold ring to newborns delivered in government hospitals, would be launched on September 15 — the birth anniversary of C.N. Annadurai — at a cost of ₹755.83 crore, alongside enhanced benefits for ex-servicemen and further expansion of the Amma Unavagam and free breakfast schemes.

Vijay reiterated his government's target of growing Tamil Nadu into a $1.5-trillion economy by 2036, and directed officials to ensure people visiting government offices are not made to run from pillar to post and are treated with dignity.

On Centre-state relations, he said his government would extend administrative cooperation to the Union government on matters benefiting the people, but would oppose any decision perceived to be against Tamil Nadu's interests or state rights. He also referred to attempts to destabilise his government, vowing that such plots would be foiled.

The ceremony was attended by Vijay's parents, actress Trisha Krishnan, ministers and other dignitaries; he appeared visibly emotional while inspecting the contingent of soldiers.