Money is available, and what is needed is “heart and administrative capacity” to serve the people, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin on Sunday said in a reference to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on state finances.
The former chief minister’s comments come in the backdrop of Vijay accusing the previous DMK regime of “emptying states’ funds” and leaving them $Debt worth Rs 10 lakh crore, soon after he was sworn in as Chief Minister by Governor Rajendra Arlikar.
Extending his heartfelt congratulations to Vijay, Stalin said he welcomed the series of proclamations he signed immediately after assuming office.
Stalin asked Vijay not to say that the government had no money. He said: “All of this is available. What is needed is the heart that we give to the people and the administrative ability.”
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Stalin said his party implemented countless public welfare schemes despite facing various challenges including Covid-19 and floods. He also claimed that the BJP was biased in releasing funds to the state.
“In your first speech, you made the accusation that the previous government had left behind debts $10 crore and wiped the treasury clean. He said Tamil Nadu’s debt level was within permissible limits.
Stalin said the DMK government had explained the financial situation during the interim budget presented in February 2026, and asked: “Did you know that? Only then did you make a lot of promises to the people. Don’t deceive and distract the people who voted for you.”
He said: “You came to power saying that you will only provide what is practically possible as promises. And now you are entering into the administration of the government.”
“I think you, like us, will definitely learn the nuances of how to fulfill the promises you make to the people very soon. I expect the same with the people as well,” he added.
The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance lost the April 23 elections held for 234 assembly constituencies, winning 73 seats to become the opposition party in the state assembly.
Stalin lost to TVK’s VS Babu in his Kolathur constituency by 8,795 votes.
