Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday hit back at actor-turned-politician Vijay, accusing him of deceiving the people who voted for his party in the recent assembly elections. Stalin asserted that the state's debt was within the limits permitted by the Tamil Nadu Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Stalin's response to Vijay's allegations
Speaking at a public event in Chennai, Stalin said, "Do not deceive the people who voted for you. The debt of Tamil Nadu is within the permitted limits as per the Fiscal Responsibility Act. We have been transparent about the state's finances." He was responding to Vijay's recent statements questioning the state government's fiscal management and rising debt burden.
Vijay's criticism of state finances
Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, had earlier alleged that the state's debt had crossed unsustainable levels under the DMK government. He claimed that the debt per capita had increased significantly and that the government was not being transparent about its borrowings.
Fiscal Responsibility Act limits
Stalin clarified that the state's debt-to-GDP ratio is within the 25% limit set by the Tamil Nadu Fiscal Responsibility Act. He provided data showing that the debt as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) stood at 23.8% in 2023-24, well within the prescribed ceiling. He accused Vijay of spreading misinformation for political gain.
Political implications
The exchange marks a sharpening of rhetoric between the ruling DMK and Vijay's fledgling political outfit. Political analysts view this as a sign of Vijay's growing influence, prompting a direct response from the chief minister. Stalin urged Vijay to focus on constructive criticism rather than misleading the public.
Opposition's response
Opposition parties, including the AIADMK and BJP, have supported Vijay's claims, demanding a white paper on the state's finances. They argue that off-budget borrowings and guarantees push the actual debt burden higher than reported. Stalin dismissed these demands, stating that all borrowings are accounted for and audited.
In conclusion, Stalin reiterated his commitment to fiscal discipline and asked Vijay to verify facts before making allegations. The debate over Tamil Nadu's debt is likely to continue as assembly elections approach.
