Vanakkam Gen Z, warning to foes: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay delivers strong message in first Independence day speech

The Tamil Nadu chief minister reiterated his government's commitment to uproot corruption from the state.

Updated on: Aug 15, 2026, 14:41:46 IST

By HT News Desk

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Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay, who delivered his first Independence Day speech from the Fort St George premises on Saturday, acknowledged the GenZ specially as he greeted them with "Vanakkam".

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay addresses the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Fort St. George, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (PTI)

"To all my Tamil relatives across the world, Gen Z friends, my Vanakkam to all," he said at the flag-hoisting ceremony in Chennai. The event was attended by actor Trisha Krishnan, and Vijay's parents, SA Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar.

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Delivering a strong message in his maiden address, Vijay sounded a warning to those "plotting" against his government as he vowed to defeat all forces working against him. The Tamil Nadu chief minister reiterated his government's commitment to uproot corruption from the state.

Plots against govt will be thwarted

Without taking any names, the Tamil Nadu chief minister said forces working against his government will be defeated. He warned those conspiring against his regime that their attempts will be thwarted.

Eliminating corruption equivalent to freedom

Equating removal of corruption to freedom, Vijay said his government was working towards that goal. "Government's revenue going to private individual has been prevented and continuous action is being taken to eliminate graft in all departments," he said.

The Tamil Nadu chief minister assured the people of transparent and good governance under his watch.

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All lives are born equal

Vijay said his government is based on the principle that “all lives are born equal”. He claimed that his governance is transparent, genuine, and honest. There is no space for bribery and corruption, drug culture. He further emphasised his commitment to ensure women's safety and social justice.

“There must never be any compromise in public life. The welfare of the people is the most important thing. It is on that basis that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government has been functioning,” he said.

Will oppose policies against Tamil Nadu

Vijay assured cooperation to the Union government on administrative matters. However, he made it clear that his government will always stand up against policies which violate the state's rights.

The Tamil Nadu CM said, "On that same basis, we also maintain administrative cooperation with the Central government regarding people-welfare schemes. But at the same time, 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."

Actor Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu's chief minister in May this year after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, registered an unprecedent win in the state Assembly elections, defeating MK Stalin-led DMK.

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HT News Desk
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