‘Money’s all there’: Stalin reacts to Vijay’s first speech, says Tamil Nadu debt ‘well within permissible limits’ | India News

NEW DELHI: Former Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Sunday pushed back against his successor Vijay’s claim that the state is facing a financial crisis, asserting that Tamil Nadu’s debt remains within permissible limits.In a congratulatory post on X, Stalin advised Vijay against beginning his tenure by claiming the government treasury was empty and disappointing the people who voted for him.“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr Vijay, the leader of victorious Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, who has now taken on the esteemed role of chief minister of Tamil Nadu. I also welcome the announcements you signed immediately upon assuming office,” Stalin said.“Don’t start saying straight away that the government has no money. It’s all there. What’s needed is the will to give it to the people and the ability to govern,” he added.Stalin said his government had implemented several welfare schemes despite facing challenges such as the Covid pandemic, floods and what he described as neglect by the BJP-led Union government.“You have already mentioned in your first address the accusation that the previous government left behind a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore and emptied the treasury before departing. Tamil Nadu’s debt level is well within the permissible limits,” he said.The remarks came after Vijay announced that his government may release a white paper on the state’s finances to ensure transparency.“After reviewing everything, I intend 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 someone, I will not do it secretly or behind closed doors. Whatever I do, I will do 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 more than Rs 10 lakh crore.“Today, the condition in which our Tamil Nadu government has been left is something I have seen for myself. The last government went out after borrowing debts of more than Rs 10 lakh crore. The treasury was completely emptied before they left office,” he said.“I am not saying this for effect. Only after going inside and seeing things firsthand can one understand what is there and what is not,” he added.Vijay also vowed not to misuse public money and said his government would prioritise education, roads, drinking water and other essential services.“Even if some people humiliate me, whether they are friends or enemies, all 8 crore people are still my people,” he said.“As I said before, I will not touch even a single paisa of the people’s money,” he added.Soon after taking oath, Vijay signed his first set of official documents approving 200 units of free power supply and constituting special task forces to tackle drugs and ensure women’s safety.Often referred to as “Thalapathy” by supporters, Vijay drew massive crowds during the election campaign, prompting comparisons with actor-turned-politician and former chief minister M G 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.Though TVK was formally launched only in 2024, Vijay had long been involved in social work and frequently addressed socio-political themes such as corruption and the 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.