Tamil Nadu: DMK Goes Offensive Immediately After Joseph Vijay’s Government Takes Office
NEW DELHI : M.K. Stalin, the chief of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, began playing the role of the opposition on Sunday—within just an hour of an emotional speech delivered by his successor, Vijay. In his speech, Vijay had claimed that he had inherited a state burdened with a debt of ₹10 lakh crore.
Vijay, the chief of the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), stated in his speech delivered after taking the oath as Chief Minister: “The DMK has emptied the state exchequer, and we have assumed power with a debt burden of ₹10 lakh crore.” He further added that his government might issue a ‘White Paper’ on the state’s financial status to ensure transparency.
Stalin clarified that the state’s debt remained well within acceptable limits, and that Vijay’s claims could prove disappointing to those who had voted for him. In a post written in Tamil on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Do not immediately start claiming that the government lacks funds. The funds are there. What is required is the political will to allocate those funds to the people, along with the administrative competence to govern effectively.” He defended the state’s financial management by citing various expenditures undertaken by his government over the preceding five years.
Stalin wrote: “For five years—even while grappling with numerous crises such as COVID-19 and floods, as well as facing neglect from the Central Government—we successfully implemented countless welfare schemes for the people.”
Stalin also accused Vijay of attempting to divert public attention away from real issues—and of misleading the public—through his claims regarding financial mismanagement. He further pointed out that the state’s financial status had, in fact, already been presented during the budget session held in February. He further stated, “Were you unaware of this? Was it only after learning all of this that you made various promises to the people? You—who came to power declaring, ‘I will make only those promises that are feasible to fulfill’—are now, at this juncture, stepping into the realm of government administration. I am confident that, much like us, you too will soon learn the intricacies involved in fulfilling the promises made to the people. Along with those who voted for you, I, too, harbor this very expectation of you.”
Over the past decade, Tamil Nadu’s debt has surged from ₹2.8 lakh crore in 2016–17 to reach ₹10.6 lakh crore by 2026–27. While signing his first executive order immediately after being sworn in as Chief Minister, Vijay approved measures to provide free electricity up to 200 units, as well as the establishment of special task forces dedicated to ensuring women’s safety and combating the issue of drug abuse. He further affirmed that he would devote his full attention to fundamental issues such as education, healthcare, and water supply. “The welfare of farmers and fishermen will be fully safeguarded,” he declared. “Everything will turn out well.”
Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony took place following nearly a week of uncertainty regarding his party’s formation of a government in Tamil Nadu. The actor-turned-politician formed the government with the support of the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML. He is now required to face a floor test in the Legislative Assembly on or before May 13.
