Former Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, on Sunday, said that the Tamil Nadu’s debt remains within “permissible limits,” countering claims made earlier in the day by new Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay after his oath-taking ceremony.
Vijay had alleged that the previous government had left the state with a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore and an economic ‘burden.’ Responding in a post on X, Stalin said, “The debt level of Tamil Nadu is within the permitted limits,” and cautioned against claims that the government has no funds.
He added that the state’s financial position had already been clearly outlined in the February budget, questioning whether the current leadership was unaware of it while making electoral promises. “Don’t start saying right away that the government has no money. It does have it. What’s needed is the will to give it to the people, and the ability to govern,” he said.
Stalin further remarked that Vijay, who has recently taken charge, would gradually understand the complexities of governance and the challenges of fulfilling poll promises. “I believe that, just like us, you too will surely learn soon the nuances of how to fulfil the promises made to the people. Along with the people who voted for you, I too expect the same,” read his tweet.
At the same time, the DMK chief extended his congratulations to Vijay on assuming office. “I extend my heartfelt wishes to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of the victorious TVK on taking on this responsibility,” he said.
Since his swearing-in, Vijay has made a series of announcements, including a key decision to release a white paper on the state’s finances for the 2021–2026 period. He reiterated that his government would work hard to provide a transparent administration and fulfil every promise his party made in its manifesto.
Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) surprised everyone in what was just their first ever election. Of the 234 seats, the party won 108. After 4 days of speculation of how they would match the majority figure of 117 MLAs (233 counted as Vijay contested from two), they formed a coalition govt. The Indian National Congress (INC), along with the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) lent their support to TVK.
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