MK Stalin Hits Back at CM Vijay Over ₹10 Lakh Crore Debt Claim: "Money is There, Needs Efficient Administration"

Chennai: In his first major political intervention as Leader of Opposition, DMK President M.K. Stalin on Sunday took a strong swipe at newly sworn-in Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay over claims of massive financial debt inherited from the previous DMK regime.

Just hours after Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony and emotional speech claiming the state treasury was empty with a staggering ₹10 lakh crore debt, Stalin hit back, saying:

“Do not say there is no money at the very beginning. It is there. What is required is the mind to give it to people and an efficient administration.”

Stalin Defends DMK’s Governance

Stalin listed several key expenditures and welfare schemes implemented by his government over the past five years and advised the new government not to blame its predecessor for any shortcomings. He urged the Vijay-led administration to focus on effective governance instead of making excuses.

This sharp exchange has gone viral across Tamil Nadu, with videos and reactions flooding social media platforms.

Background

• DMK suffered a shocking defeat in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

• Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) swept to power.

• Stalin lost his traditional Kolathur seat but has quickly transitioned into an active opposition role.

Political observers see Stalin’s prompt response as a sign that he intends to play a strong and vigilant Opposition leader, holding the new government accountable from day one.