MK Stalin slams CM Vijay's remarks on financial condition of Tamil Nadu, advises him not to ‘deceive people’

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin on Sunday objected to Vijay’s comments about the state’s financial condition and the debt burden inherited from the previous administration. This came after Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu’s new chief minister at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai following tense battle of receiving majority support.

Stalin said the new government should not begin by claiming that the state lacked funds, noting that the money was available and that what mattered was the willingness to use it for the people and the capacity to govern effectively. He urged him to deliver on the promises made to voters during the election campaign.

"For five years, we implemented countless welfare schemes for the people despite grappling with numerous issues like COVID and floods, as well as the neglect from the Union BJP government. You yourself mentioned in your very first speech the accusation that "the previous government left behind a debt of 10 lakh crore rupees and emptied the treasury"... The debt level of Tamil Nadu is within the permitted limits," Stalin stated.

Stalin requested Vijay not to "deceive the people" or divert attention from governance responsibilities.

"It was only after that you gave various promises to the people? Don't deceive the people who voted for you again and try to divert the issue! You, who came to power saying, "I will only give promises that are practically feasible," are now just stepping into government administration. I believe that, just like us, you too will surely learn soon the nuances of how to fulfill the promises made to the people. Along with the people who voted for you, I too expect the same. Once again, my best wishes for the growth journey of Tamil Nadu to continue under your rule!" he concluded.

Stalin also conveyed his best wishes to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government and welcomed the first set of announcements signed by Vijay shortly after taking office. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, @ActorVijay, leader of the victorious Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, upon assuming this responsibility. I also welcome the announcements you have signed immediately upon taking office," he said.

"The DMK government has left us with a debt of ₹10 lakh crore. The party has emptied the treasury," the actor-turned politician said after the swearing-in ceremony. Vijay said his government would publish a white paper detailing Tamil Nadu’s financial position for the 2021–2026 period.

He also expressed gratitude to alliance partners Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) for backing TVK in securing a majority in the Assembly.

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi attended the swearing-in ceremony along with senior leaders from the alliance.

The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections proved to be a landmark moment for TVK, which captured 108 seats in its first electoral contest and brought an end to the decades-long dominance of the DMK and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in the state.