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Chennai: A political slugfest erupted immediately after Vijay took oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, with M K Stalin reacting sharply to his criticism of the state’s financial condition.

After congratulating the TVK leader and welcoming the welfare measures signed immediately after Vijay assumed office, the former CM took direct aim at Vijay’s remarks accusing the previous DMK government of leaving behind a “Rs 10 lakh crore debt” and an “empty treasury.”

“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 in his statement, as reported by Republic TV.

Stalin defended his government’s financial management, asserting that Tamil Nadu successfully implemented multiple welfare schemes despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, devastating floods, and what he described as “neglect from the Union BJP government.”

The former CM questioned why the TVK leader raised concerns over the state’s debt after having made several electoral promises.

“You yourself mentioned in your very first speech the accusation that the previous government left behind a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore and emptied the treasury. The debt level of Tamil Nadu is within the permitted limits,” Stalin posted on X.

The state’s financial position had already been explained during the February budget presentation, he said, accusing Vijay of attempting to “divert the issue” and “deceive the people” who voted for him.

The DMK leader also appeared to issue a political challenge to the new administration, saying governance would teach Vijay the practical realities of fulfilling poll promises.

“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,” Stalin posted.

He, however, ended his message by extending wishes for Tamil Nadu’s continued growth under Vijay’s leadership.

Observers believe that this is just the start of what is expected to be an intense political rivalry between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.