Independence Day 2026: Vijay vows to defend Tamil Nadu’s rights

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Saturday assured cooperation with the Centre on administrative matters and people-centric schemes, while making it clear that his government would oppose any policy that he believes undermines the state's rights.

Delivering his maiden Independence Day address from Fort St George, Vijay said his government was committed to transparent and corruption-free governance, describing the fight against graft as an extension of the country's struggle for freedom.

He said his government had taken steps to prevent public revenue from being diverted to private individuals and would continue efforts to eliminate corruption across departments.

“Government's revenue going to private individual” has been prevented and continuous action is being taken to eliminate graft in all departments, he said, stressing the need for transparent and accountable governance.

Vijay said his government would continue to cooperate with the Union government on administrative matters and welfare schemes, but would not compromise on Tamil Nadu's interests.

“However, when it comes to Tamil Nadu's principles, the TVK government will always oppose decisions that go against state rights as well as policy decisions that go against Tamil Nadu. There is no second thought about that,” he said.

He said his government was guided by the principle of “All lives are born equal” and remained committed to social justice, women's safety and tackling corruption, drug abuse and other concerns.

Without referring to any specific political opponent, Vijay said attempts to destabilise his government would be defeated and alleged conspiracies against his regime would be thwarted.

The chief minister also announced several welfare measures. A gold ring scheme for newborns in government hospitals will be launched on September 15, the birth anniversary of former Tamil Nadu chief minister and Dravidian leader CN Annadurai, at a cost of Rs 755.83 crore.

Financial assistance for the marriage of daughters of ex-servicemen will be doubled to Rs 50,000 from Rs 25,000, while monthly assistance for differently abled ex-servicemen and their dependants will rise to Rs 7,000 from Rs 5,000.

Vijay also announced an increase in the pension for freedom fighters to Rs 23,000, while the family pension for their dependants will rise to Rs 12,500.

The TVK government, he said, would continue and strengthen welfare schemes introduced by previous AIADMK and DMK governments, including Amma Canteens and the breakfast scheme for schoolchildren.

He also praised voters for rejecting caste and religious considerations as well as money and muscle power, saying the government had been given a mandate to build a people-centric administration based on social justice.

Vijay's parents and actor Trisha were among those present at the event.