Vijay Accuses DMK of Leaving Rs 10 Lakh Crore Debt, Stalin Counters with Governance Warning

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, in his first public remarks after taking office, stated the state had inherited a debt of nearly Rs 10 lakh crore from the previous DMK government, citing a financial crisis and announcing plans to release a white paper on state finances. He took oath on Sunday, following his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) formation of government with support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML.

M.K. Stalin, former Chief Minister and DMK leader, rejected the claim, asserting Tamil Nadu's debt remains within permissible limits and cautioning against projecting the state as financially ruined. In a post on X, he emphasized that funds exist and what matters is the will to use them for public welfare and effective governance, adding that administrative realities would soon become clear to the new leadership.

Stalin defended his government's record, citing welfare schemes maintained during the pandemic, natural disasters, and limited central support, noting the financial position was disclosed during the February budget session. He accused Vijay of misleading the public and attempting to deflect from governance challenges after making election promises.

Vijay signed initial executive orders providing 200 free electricity units for households and establishing task forces on women's safety and drug control, while pledging focus on education, healthcare, water, farmers, and fishermen. The new government is set to face a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on or before May 13.