Tamil Nadu marked the nation’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George in Chennai, where Chief Minister Vijay hoisted the National Flag for the first time as Chief Minister.
Arriving at 8.33 am, he was received by Chief Secretary Saikumar and Public Department Secretary Sundaravalli. Senior officials from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, along with the state police leadership, were introduced to him before he took the ceremonial police guard of honour and reviewed the parade in an open jeep.
In his address, Vijay thanked the people for backing a government that, he said, rejects the influence of money and power and works to uphold social justice beyond caste and religious divisions. He said the administration was working at full pace to build a corruption-free system and urged citizens to develop zero tolerance towards corruption.
Calling the fight against bribery and corruption “another freedom,” he said the government and the public must stand together to make Tamil Nadu free of corruption. He also said the state was cooperating with the Union government on administrative matters for welfare schemes, while opposing policy decisions that go against Tamil Nadu’s rights.
Vijay said earlier welfare initiatives were being continued and strengthened, citing the Amma Unavagam scheme and the expansion of the breakfast programme. He appealed to voters not to withdraw after elections, saying public participation and support were essential for taking good schemes forward.
