Former CM MK Stalin congratulated new Tamil Nadu CM Vijay but warned him against blaming the previous government for the state's financial condition, urging him to fulfil his electoral promises instead of making 'empty treasury' claims.
Stalin's Message to CM Vijay
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Sunday congratulated newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, while also cautioning him against blaming the previous government over the state's financial condition and urging him to fulfil the promises made to the people during the election campaign.
In a post on X, Stalin extended his wishes to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government and welcomed the announcements signed by Vijay immediately after assuming 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," Stalin wrote.
However, the DMK chief took exception to Vijay's remarks regarding the financial condition of the state and the debt burden inherited from the previous administration. "Don't start saying right away that the government has no money. It does have it. What's needed is the will to give it to the people, and the ability to govern," Stalin said.
Defending the financial record of the former DMK government, Stalin noted, "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. We clearly explained the financial position of the Tamil Nadu government in the February budget itself. Didn't you know that?" he asked.
Stalin further advised 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 said.
மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சராகப் பொறுப்பேற்றுள்ள தமிழக வெற்றிக் கழகத் தலைவர் திரு. @ActorVijay அவர்களுக்கு எனது மனப்பூர்வமான வாழ்த்துகளைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன். பதவியேற்றதும் தாங்கள் கையெழுத்திட்டுள்ள அறிவிப்புகளையும் வரவேற்கிறேன். எடுத்த எடுப்பிலேயே அரசிடம் பணம் இல்லை… — M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) May 10, 2026
Vijay Sworn In, Blames DMK for Debt
The remarks came shortly after Vijay officially assumed charge at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in Chennai following his swearing-in as the state's 13th Chief Minister. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath to Vijay and nine ministers earlier in the day at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
In his first address as Chief Minister, Vijay promised a "new era" of governance centred on secularism and social justice. "I will never deceive you with false promises. I will only promise what is possible," the actor-turned-politician said, thanking the people of Tamil Nadu for their support.
"The DMK government has left us with a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore. The party has emptied the treasury," Vijay said after the swearing-in ceremony. He announced that his government would release a white paper on Tamil Nadu's finances covering the 2021-2026 period.
TVK's Historic Election Victory
TVK scripted history in the 2026 Assembly elections by winning 108 seats in its electoral debut and ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK formations in Tamil Nadu politics. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)