Speaking from the ramparts of the 386-year-old fort, CM Vijay thanked his "Gen Z young comrades", called freeing Tamil Nadu from corruption equal to achieving freedom, confirmed the ₹755.83 crore gold ring scheme from September 15, and drew a clear line on cooperation with the Centre.
Delivering his first Independence Day address as Chief Minister from the ramparts of Fort St George on Saturday, C. Joseph Vijay placed anti-corruption at the centre of his government's purpose. "Saving Tamil Nadu from bribery and corruption is equal to achieving freedom. That is what this government is working towards," he told the gathering, after opening with greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu and to students, and paying homage to the freedom fighters who died for independence.
Vijay opened by thanking Tamil people across the world, the people of Tamil Nadu, and what he called his "Gen Z young comrades" for the opportunity to hoist the national flag at the 386-year-old fort on the 80th Independence Day. "My heartfelt gratitude to all of you," he said, describing support that had crossed caste and religious barriers and rejected money and muscle power to put a people-centric, social-justice government in place. He also paid tribute to the freedom fighters who died for independence.
Rooting the administration in the principle that "birth is equal for all living beings," he set out what the government was trying to build: an administration that is transparent, truthful and honest, free from bribery, devoid of drug culture, ensuring women's safety, and grounded in social justice. "There should be no compromise in public life," he said. "People's welfare is the most important thing."
On relations with the Union government, Vijay set out a position with two halves. His government would cooperate with the Centre on administrative matters concerning the welfare of Tamil Nadu — but would oppose anything that went against the state's interests or affected its rights.
The framing matters given the week just past. It follows his letter to the Prime Minister on delimitation, the Assembly's resolutions on NEET and the FCRA Amendment Bill, and the Tamil Thai Vazhthu resolution — each an instance of the state pressing against a central position while continuing to work with Delhi on administration.
Vijay said his government had been formed with a commitment to building a corruption-free administration and transparent governance. "Government's revenue going to private individuals has been prevented, and continuous action is being taken to eliminate graft in all departments," he said.
He also struck a note not often heard from a new government: that his administration would continue and strengthen schemes and policies introduced by the previous AIADMK and DMK governments. Without naming anyone, he added that forces working against his government would be defeated and conspiracies against it thwarted.
On the meaning of the day itself, Vijay argued that true freedom could only be achieved when people came together by breaking the barriers of caste, religion, language and race.
| Announcement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gold ring scheme for newborns | From September 15, at an outlay of ₹755.83 crore |
| Ex-servicemen benefits | Increased |
The gold ring scheme confirms a launch date the government has been working toward since the scheme was first announced in June, providing a gold ring for babies delivered in government hospitals. The ₹755.83 crore outlay gives it a firm figure for the first time.
Vijay presented a series of state honours during the ceremony:
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Thagaisal Thamizhar Award (₹10 lakh and a citation) | M. Krishnaswamy, former TNCC president |
| Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Award | Dr V. Mohan, diabetologist — received by his daughter |
| Kalpana Chawla Award for courage and bravery | Navsheen Banu, Coimbatore |
| Chief Minister's Police Medal (anti-drug work) | 15 police personnel |
The Chief Minister's Good Governance Awards, State Youth Awards, and awards for social service, women's welfare, service to persons with disabilities and best local bodies were also presented.
Vijay left his Neelankarai residence at around 8 am, received the ceremonial guard of honour, and inspected the police parade from an open jeep before proceeding to the ramparts. He hoisted the Tricolour at about 8.45 am. His parents, director S. A. Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar, attended; his mother spoke afterwards of her pride at watching her son hoist the national flag as Chief Minister for the first time.
The tradition of Tamil Nadu's Chief Ministers hoisting the flag at Fort St George dates to 1974, under M. Karunanidhi — a change secured after he raised the matter with the Prime Minister, and one that spread to every state. For the full history of the day and Tamil Nadu's place in the freedom struggle, see our Independence Day feature.
Independence Day Fort St George Anti-Corruption State Rights August 15, 2026