In maiden Independence Day speech, Vijay calls for ‘zero tolerance towards corruption’

In his inaugural address as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay emphasized the importance of combating corruption, stating that the fight against bribery and corruption is akin to a significant liberation. He urged citizens to adopt a "zero tolerance" approach towards corruption and stressed that their responsibility extended beyond merely voting for him.

Vijay reminded the audience that the people are the rulers and that he and his government are their servants. He described corruption as an administrative challenge and stated that his administration would cooperate with the Union government on public welfare matters while opposing policies that go against Tamil Nadu's interests or state rights.

The Chief Minister highlighted the government's early achievements, such as waiving Rs 5,932.23 crore in crop loans, closing 717 TASMAC liquor outlets, and introducing 300 new buses. He also announced that the breakfast scheme, initiated by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, would be expanded to include students up to Class 8, starting from September 17 - the birthday of Periyar.

Vijay promised to treat citizens with kindness and affection, emphasizing that government offices and police stations would function as service centers.

Among other new announcements, Vijay revealed that the marriage assistance sum for the two daughters of ex-servicemen would be increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000, while monthly assistance for disabled ex-servicemen and their dependents would rise from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000. He also increased freedom fighters' monthly pension to Rs 23,000 and their family pension to Rs 12,500.

Vijay set an ambitious economic goal, aiming to turn Tamil Nadu into a ₹1.5 trillion economy by 2036. Concluding his speech, he delivered one of his most popular mantras, encouraging the audience with the message, "Be confident. Only good things will happen. Victory is certain!"