‘Money’s all there’: Stalin reacts to Vijay’s first speech, says Tamil Nadu debt ‘well within permissible limits’ | India News
New Delhi: Former Dr Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin His successor on Sunday pushed back against Vijay’s claims that the state was facing a financial crisis, insisting that Tamil Nadu’s debt was within permissible limits.In a congratulatory post on X, Stalin advises Vijay against starting his term by claiming the government coffers are empty and disappointing those who voted for him.
“I offer my heartiest congratulations to the victorious Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam leader Mr. Vijay, who has now assumed the honorable role of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. I also welcome the declarations signed by you as soon as I assume office,” Stalin said.“Don’t start directly saying that the government doesn’t have money. It has everything. What is needed is the will to give to the people and the power to govern,” he added.Stalin said his government has implemented several welfare schemes despite facing challenges like the Covid pandemic, floods and what he described as negligence by the BJP-led central government.“You have already mentioned in your maiden address that the previous government left behind a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore and emptied the treasury before exiting. Tamil Nadu’s debt level is well within the permissible limits,” he said.The comments came after Vijay announced that his government may release a white paper on the state’s finances to ensure transparency.“After reviewing everything, I want to release a white paper to the people. I want my government to be a transparent government,” Vijay said in his first speech after taking oath as chief minister.“As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, if I need to meet anyone, I will not do it secretly or behind closed doors. Whatever I do, I will do it openly and transparently,” he added.Also read: TVK ends DMK-AIADMK era, actor-politician Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief MinisterIn his speech, Vijay accused the previous DMK government of leaving behind a debt burden of over Rs 10 lakh crore.“Today, I have seen for myself the state in which our Tamil Nadu government has been left. The last government went out after borrowing more than Rs 10 lakh crore. The coffers were completely empty before they left office,” he said.“I’m not saying this for effect. You can go inside and see things first-hand to understand what’s there and what’s not,” he added.Vijay also promised not to misuse public money and said his government would prioritize education, roads, drinking water and other essential services.He said, “Although some people insult me, be it friends or enemies, 8 crore people are still my people.”“As I have already said, I will not touch a single penny of public money,” he added.Soon after being sworn in, Vijay signed his first set of official documents approving 200 units of free electricity supply and setting up a special task force to combat drugs and ensure women’s safety.Often referred to as “thalapathy” by supporters, Vijay drew huge crowds during the election campaign, drawing comparisons with actor-politician and former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran.Tamil Nadu has a long history of actors transitioning into politics, and Vijay’s rise has revived memories of that tradition following the late Vijayakanth’s political journey.Although TVK was officially launched only in 2024, Vijay has been involved in social work for a long time and has often addressed socio-political themes like corruption and drug menace through his films.In the 2026 assembly elections, Vijay won from both Perambur and Trichy East and is expected to vacate one of the two seats.
