‘Empty treasury?’ Ex-CM Stalin hits back at Vijay, accuses him of misleading people over state debt

Chennai: MK Stalin on Sunday strongly rejected allegations by newly sworn-in Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay that the previous DMK government had left Tamil Nadu’s finances in disarray, accusing him of misleading the public over the State’s fiscal position.

In his first public response since Vijay assumed office, Stalin said claims that the State treasury had been “emptied” were false and insisted that the government’s financial condition had already been clearly explained in the Budget presented in February.

Posting on X, the former Chief Minister congratulated the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader on taking charge and welcomed the announcements signed soon after assuming office. However, he cautioned Vijay against portraying the State as financially crippled.

“Do not begin by saying the government has no money. The funds are there. What is needed is the will and ability to govern,” Stalin said.

Responding to Vijay’s allegation that the previous administration had left behind debts of ₹10 lakh crore, Stalin maintained that Tamil Nadu’s borrowings remained within the permitted limit. He questioned why Vijay had made extensive electoral promises if he believed the State’s finances were weak.

“We clearly explained the financial position of the Tamil Nadu government in the February Budget itself. Didn’t you know that? Wasn’t it only after that that you made various promises to the people?” Stalin asked, accusing the new administration of attempting to divert attention from its commitments.

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The DMK leader also defended his government’s record, saying several welfare schemes had been implemented despite challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, severe flooding and what he described as neglect by the Union BJP government.

Taking a swipe at Vijay’s repeated campaign assertion that his party would make only “practically feasible” promises, Stalin said the new Chief Minister had only just entered government and would soon understand “the nuances” involved in delivering assurances made to the public.

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Minutes after taking oath as Chief Minister earlier in the day, Vijay said his government would soon release a White Paper detailing Tamil Nadu’s fiscal health. He alleged that the previous administration had left the State treasury “empty” and sought time to stabilise the administration.

“I need some time to set things right and stabilise the administration. I am not a divine messenger… I am one among you,” Vijay said in his maiden address as Chief Minister.