Don't deceive the people who voted for you: Stalin tells Vijay

In a sharply worded message following congratulatory notes, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Sunday (May 10) extended his wishes to newly sworn-in Chief Minister Joseph Vijay while simultaneously pushing back against remarks made during the latter’s inaugural address on the state’s financial condition.

Congratulating the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader on assuming office, Stalin said he welcomed the immediate announcements signed by Vijay after taking charge. However, he cautioned the new government against claiming that the state treasury was empty or that there was no money to fulfil electoral promises.

Will to share

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Actor Vijay, leader of the victorious Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, upon assuming this responsibility,” Stalin said in a post in Tamil on X. “I also welcome the announcements you have signed immediately upon taking office,” he added.

But Stalin quickly shifted to criticism of Vijay’s comments on Tamil Nadu’s finances, particularly the allegation that the previous government had left behind a debt burden of Rs 10 lakh crore.

“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.

Multiple challenges

Defending the DMK government’s record, he pointed to the challenges his administration faced over the past five years, including the COVID pandemic, floods, and what he described as neglect by the BJP-led Union government.

“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,” he wrote.

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Referring directly to Vijay’s swearing-in speech, Stalin questioned why he was now highlighting the state’s debt despite having access to the government’s financial disclosures before the election.

“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,” Stalin said.

“We clearly explained the financial position of the Tamil Nadu government in the February budget itself. Didn’t you know that? It was only after that you gave various promises to the people?” he asked.

Attention diversion?

Stalin accused the new regime of attempting to divert attention from election commitments. “Don’t deceive the people who voted for you again and try to divert the issue!” he said.

Stalin also reminded Vijay of his campaign pitch that he would make only “practically feasible” promises, saying governance would now test those assurances. “You, who came to power saying, ‘I will only give promises that are practically feasible,’ are now just stepping into government administration,” Stalin wrote.

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“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,” he added.

Despite the criticism, Stalin ended on a conciliatory note, wishing Vijay success in leading the state. “Once again, my best wishes for the growth journey of Tamil Nadu to continue under your rule!” he said.